Here’s a bold prediction: the San Francisco 49ers’ season might hinge on a trade you’re not expecting. But here’s where it gets controversial—while most teams in their position would be scrambling to fill gaps, the 49ers might just be eyeing a familiar face to turn their luck around. With a 4-2 record heading into Week 7, the team is technically leading their division, but their recent loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. And this is the part most people miss: the real crisis isn’t just the loss—it’s the devastating injuries to star players like linebacker Fred Warner, whose season-ending ankle injury has left a gaping hole in the defense, and Nick Bosa, whose ACL tear earlier this year already had the team reeling.
These setbacks have sparked a heated debate: should the 49ers be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline? Some argue they should double down on their 4-2 start, while others believe it’s time to recoup draft capital in what’s shaping up to be a rebuilding year. Here’s the kicker: CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones firmly places them in the buyer category, specifically urging them to target edge rushers—a need that’s become even more urgent after Warner’s injury. “The 49ers’ injury bug is massive,” Jones noted. “Even before Warner went down, they were desperate for edge rush help. Now, it’s not just a need—it’s a necessity.”
But acquiring top-tier edge rushers isn’t easy, especially with competitors like the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens likely in the mix. And let’s be honest: there’s no replacing Fred Warner. His absence makes pressuring the quarterback even more critical, which is why Jones insists the 49ers must act fast. And this is where it gets interesting: former 49ers executive and current Tennessee Titans General Manager Ron Carthon has dropped a name that’s worth watching—Arden Key. Key, an outside linebacker/edge rusher on an expiring contract, isn’t just a free agent in waiting; he’s someone who thrived under the 49ers’ defensive line coach Kris Kocurek in 2021. Carthon suggests Key could provide the edge presence the team desperately needs while also bolstering their interior rush, allowing them to develop Mykel Williams without rushing him.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has already linked the 49ers to several edge rushers, making a move in the coming weeks seem almost inevitable. If they’re not looking to break the bank, Key’s expiring deal could be a low-cost, high-reward option. But here’s the question that divides fans: Is Arden Key the missing piece, or are the 49ers better off saving their draft capital for a deeper rebuild? Let us know what you think in the comments—this debate is far from over.
