BREAKING: San Francisco 49ers Trade For Surging Pass Rusher in Blockbuster Trade Proposal

Oct 6, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan on the sideline during the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

As the NFL trade deadline nears, it may be now-or-never for the San Francisco 49ers.

Oct 10, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan stands on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

While the 49ers may be about to be getting Drew Greenlaw back on the field, San Francisco’s defense has been wildly inconsistent this season as the offense has been forced to navigate myriad injuries including to the likes of Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, Jordan Mason, and others.

However, given what is at stake for San Francisco this season since it is the final year of his rookie contract, and that this roster is built to compete for Super Bowls this season, it wouldn’t be surprising if general manager John Lynch acts aggressively at the trade deadline.

Could the San Francisco 49ers Trade for Azeez Ojulari?

Jan 7, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) celebrates with defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches (93) after recovering a fumble during the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images — Jan 7, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) celebrates with defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches (93) after recovering a fumble during the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

NFL Media’s Kevin Patra put together a list of best player fits for teams who may be buyers ahead of the trade deadline on November 5, including San Francisco trading for New York Giants pass-rusher Azeez Ojulari.

“Ojulari has been a sensation in the three weeks since Kayvon Thibodeaux went down with an injury,” Patra writes for NFL.com. “He’s generated six sacks on the season, five over the past three games, and his 14 percent pressure rate is excellent. The 24-year-old would pair well opposite Bosa and help keep Floyd fresh for the stretch run.

“The Giants sit in last place in the NFC East, and their season is on the brink. They have money tied up in Brian Burns and Thibodeaux, and Ojulari is set to hit the free agency market in the spring. Big Blue should get what they can for the young pass rusher now rather than wait until the spring.”

San Francisco 49ers, Azeez Ojulari — New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51), New York Giants defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches (93) and the rest of Big Blue were all smiles as they beat the Philadelphia Eagles, 27-10, Sunday, January 7, 2024.

New York is committed to Thibodeaux and Burns as their pass-rush duo moving into the future, which could make Ojulari expendable.

A former second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Ojulari has produced 22 total sacks through the first three-plus seasons of his career, including five over the past three games.

If the Giants have designs on accumulating draft capital to turn over the roster next season, Ojulari may be an ideal trade chip and the kind of potentially difference-making rotational player the 49ers could use to bolster the defense.