Hold up, San Francisco! Will McDonald IV, the explosive pass rusher with 24.5 career sacks, has reportedly asked the New York Jets for a trade, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network and ESPN. And after the 49ers’ less-than-dominant pass rush performance in their 38-17 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, this news feels like exactly what they need to address before Tuesday’s trade deadline.
The 49ers’ Pass Rush Stumbles Despite the W
Yeah, the 49ers got the W, but let’s be real, it wasn’t exactly a defensive masterclass, was it? Despite forcing five turnovers against the Raiders, with Kirk Cousins tossing three picks, these miscues weren’t a result of the 49ers’ defensive line absolutely overwhelming them. Cousins was pressured on only 31.3% of his snaps, which, going into Sunday Night Football in Week 9, ranked 24th among all quarterbacks. That’s not terrible, but come on, for a team that just got Nick Bosa back from injury and boasts DeForest Buckner’s prowess in that area, you’d expect more. That somewhat underwhelming showing is exactly why the 49ers might be scrambling to add more firepower to their D-line before the deadline.
McDonald: The Perfect Fit for a Stalling Front?
Enter Will McDonald IV. This guy was practically made for the 49ers’ wide 9 front when he came out in 2023. We’re talking an athletic profile that checks every single box, explosiveness that jumps off the tape, and a pass rush arsenal that’s already refined. He even brings positional versatility, having played on the interior in Iowa State’s 3-3-5 front in college. Even with the Jets slumping to a 2-7 start this season, McDonald has established himself as a consistently productive pass rusher. He’s got 24.5 career sacks, including three this season, eight last year, and a massive 10.5 in 2024. The 27-year-old is under contract through 2027, but Rapoport says he’s unhappy with his usage, feeling like more of a situational rusher this season, and he wants out. Teams have apparently called, but the Jets haven’t engaged in trade talks. But things change fast in the NFL, and with rookie defensive tackle Gracen Halton out for the season with an ankle injury, adding a player like McDonald would be a huge boost to their edge rotation. It’d also free up guys like Mykel Williams and Keion White to play more inside, helping fill that void left by Halton. The 49ers have to at least test the Jets’ resolve here, right?
Alright, Seattle, while our rivals to the south are figuring out their D-line, let’s not forget our own! The Emerald City saw our Seahawks put on a clinic, taking down the Arizona Cardinals 17-3. Now THAT’S how you handle business. Go Hawks!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Niners Nation.
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