The San Francisco 49ers have had a rough start to the 2025 NFL season as far as the injury bug is concerned. The 49ers have dealt with many of their top players missing time due to injuries, but have continued to find ways to win.
The 49ers enter Week 7 of the NFL season 4-2, and in a three-way tie atop the NFC West.
However, in addition to quarterback Brock Purdy, tight end George Kittle, receiver Ricky Pearsall and linebacker Fred Warner being out with injuries, the 49ers are without All-Pro edge rusher Nick Bosa. But, this trade proposal would solve that part of the issue with a former first round pick.
49ers encouraged to trade for Kayvon Thibodeaux
Bosa tore his ACL in Week 3 of the NFL season against the Arizona Cardinals and will miss the remainder of the year. With Warner now out as well, and young pass rusher Yetur Gross-Matos dealing with an injury, San Francisco's defense could use some help.
That's where former Giants' first round pick Kayvon Thibodeaux comes into play.
The Oregon product would bring much-needed reinforcement to the 49ers defensive line, and could help keep their Super Bowl aspirations alive with the strong start they've had to the season.
Kayvon Thibodeaux set a firm edge against Jordan Mailata.
— Nick Falato (@nickfalato) October 10, 2025
He then worked to restrict the B-Gap to spill, and then tackled Saquon Barkley as he hit the C.
Great job by KT. pic.twitter.com/IgW9JoZrht
"After an offseason chock with questions about his future in New York, Thibodeaux has showed signs of growth after the team’s commitment to him," PFF's Bradley Locker wrote. "Through six games, his 71.4 overall PFF grade is his highest since his rookie season, and his 78.9 PFF run-defense grade is his best yet.
"Thibodeaux has also contributed 22 pressures, albeit on a more mediocre 12.6% pass-rush win rate."
The Giants have a young core that has shown promise, but they're not in win-now mode. New York has a veteran in Brian Burns and a youngster in Abdul Carter that can anchor its defensive line for the future.
Giants pass rushers this season:
— PFF (@PFF) October 10, 2025
🍎 Abdul Carter - 24 pressures
🍎 Brian Burns - 23 pressures
🍎 Kayvon Thibodeaux - 22 pressures pic.twitter.com/6WmtUWAKjN
With Thibodeaux getting back to playing like he was coming out of college in his rookie year, he would bring instant strength to a weakness on the 49ers' defensive line without Bosa.
San Francisco has started the year strong, and has shown the offense will put up points regardless of who's on the field in coach Kyle Shanahan's system. The addition of a talented edge rusher in Thibodeaux could put the 49ers right back in the conversation of Super Bowl contenders.