Can the 49ers help get their defense back to its disruptive playstyle with a jolt to the line this offseason?
The San Francisco 49ers enter the offseason with a clear priority emerging from league analysis: rebuilding their edge rush.
According to insights published by The Athletic, the team’s pass-rush production in 2025 dipped to concerning levels, forcing a reassessment of how the defensive front is constructed moving forward.
Last season’s total of just 20 sacks ranked last across the NFL, an uncharacteristic showing for a franchise long defined by defensive dominance.
Injuries played a significant role. Star defensive end Nick Bosa and promising young rusher Mykel Williams both suffered ACL tears, leaving the defense without its most explosive edge threats for extended stretches.
While both players are expected to return around training camp, counting on immediate peak performance after major knee injuries carries obvious risk.
Pass rushers depend heavily on burst, bend, and lateral explosiveness traits that sometimes take additional time to fully return. That reality makes adding insurance at edge rusher less of a luxury and more of a necessity.
There are intriguing possibilities if the front office chooses to be aggressive. One frequently floated scenario involves pursuing Maxx Crosby should he become available from the Las Vegas Raiders.
Crosby’s relentless motor and consistent double-digit sack production would immediately elevate the unit. Even if that scenario never materializes, it reflects the caliber of talent the 49ers should at least explore.
The upcoming draft also presents an opportunity. Holding the 27th overall pick gives the team access to second-tier elite pass rush prospects who could contribute early.
Depth is especially important given the uncertainty surrounding injury recoveries and the physical toll the position demands.
Another factor shaping this evaluation is defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. His defensive philosophy incorporates a wider range of fronts than the system previously employed.
That flexibility could broaden the scouting lens to include lighter stand-up rushers alongside traditional hand-in-the-dirt defensive ends.
Such schematic diversity may help generate pressure even without relying solely on power edge play.
As noted by analyst Matt Barrows, the organization cannot afford complacency here.
Championship windows close quickly in today’s NFL, and pass rush remains one of the most reliable drivers of defensive success.
Whether through free agency, trades, or the draft, reinforcing the edge could determine whether the defense rebounds to elite form or continues to struggle generating consistent pressure.
Ultimately, strengthening the pass rush isn’t simply about replacing lost production — it’s about restoring an identity.
For a team built on physical defense and postseason ambitions, addressing edge rusher may be the single most important step toward a bounce-back season.