For the San Francisco 49ers to get back on track to contend for a Super Bowl run, they will need to find assistance in the trade market.
Keeping a potentially game-changing player away from an NFC West opponent might be another reason for the 49ers to act before the trade deadline.
The New York Giants are reportedly considering calls for breakout star edge rusher Azeez Ojulari, according to Diana Russini of the Athletic. The Arizona Cardinals, who lead the NFC West, are among the teams that stay in contact with them.
After having his 2022 and 2023 seasons cut short by injury, Ojulari has 19 pressures and 6.0 sacks after eight games this season.
Although he isn’t a very good run stopper, the 49ers are in dire need of pass rush assistance. Ojulari would immediately strengthen a defensive end group that, aside from Nick Bosa, hasn’t produced much.
On the defensive end, the Cardinals are much more in need of assistance. According to Pro Football Reference, they are 29th in the NFL in terms of pressure rate, while their 15 sacks are tied for 24th place. They may have a better chance of maintaining their divisional lead if they get a player like Ojulari.
The 49ers might not want to engage in a bidding war or make a deal for a defensive end. However, they should definitely get involved if it means preventing the Cardinals from strengthening their defence and improving their own prospects of winning the Super Bowl.
