The NFL trade deadline is rapidly approaching, and the rumor mill is churning, with the San Francisco 49ers expected to be buyers on Tuesday.
San Francisco started things off with a trade for New England Patriots defensive lineman Keion White, sending a 2026 sixth-round pick and receiving a 2026 seventh-round pick as well.
But, they may not be done, as the 49ers have been making calls on several players and could even acquire more pass-rush help this week. Among the players involved is Miami Dolphins defensive end Jaelen Phillips, who has been involved in a ton of trade talk over the last few weeks.
After the firing of general manager Chris Grier, as well as a 2-7 start to the season, the Dolphins should be inclined to move off pieces, especially expiring contracts like Phillips’s.
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported on Saturday that San Francisco is among the teams showing interest in Phillips, but the asking price remains fairly high.
“Miami has received interest from the Eagles, 49ers, Patriots and others on OLB Jaelan Phillips (The Dolphins are looking for at least a third-rounder in return),” Russini reported. “They’re also getting calls on DE Bradley Chubb and OLB Matthew Judon.”
San Francisco has traded a third-round pick for a pass-rusher at the deadline in the past, sending one to the Washington Commanders for Chase Young. If they want Phillips, it might be a similar trade.
Phillips has been productive in the past, having 8.5 sacks as a rookie in 2021, seven in 2022, and 6.5 sacks in 2023. He suffered a season-ending injury in 2024, however, and has three sacks in 2025.
The 49ers have their own third-round pick and are currently projected to have three fourth-round compensatory picks, so they do have some midround capital that could be used in a trade. But, there seems to be a clear interest in Phillips from playoff contenders, so the asking price for Miami could very well be met by Tuesday’s trade deadline.
Another potential trade candidate could’ve been New York Giants defensive end Kavyon Thibodeaux, but Russini reported that he is not likely to be traded, with the asking price being a first-round pick. Thibodeaux has 2.5 sacks and 5.5 run stuffs so far this season.
It’s unclear how many moves the 49ers will be willing to make, but another pass-rusher could definitely make sense, especially after the news that Yetur Gross-Matos may be heading to Injured Reserve yet again. San Francisco not only needs healthy bodies, but also more production from pass-rushers, as they rank among the league’s worst in sacks and pressure rate.
Prices do seem high for pass-rushers, so the 49ers may look for a cheaper option, such as Tennessee Titans edge rusher Arden Key, but San Francisco has clearly been evaluating the market and should make another move before the deadline.
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