49ers surprise blockbuster proposal could land game-changing two-time Pro Bowler

The San Francisco 49ers have one of the most talented defenses in football, but who's to say they shouldn't add more star power?

With a Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs still fresh in their minds, the 49ers will have a tough hill to climb in 2024. It's also a pivotal year, as it's likely the last season quarterback Brock Purdy will play on his bargain bin rookie contract.

Sunday's loss to the Minnesota Vikings proved that even if they're still the NFC favorites, teams won't be intimidated by San Francisco. The 49ers defense also looked vulnerable, surrendering over 400 total yards in the 23-17 defeat.

So if San Francisco wants to maximize their title window in 2024, perhaps they need to take a swing at adding another star defender.

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report listed the 49ers as a trade fit for disgruntled New York Jets star Haason Reddick. He proposed the 49ers could send the Jets defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos and a conditional 2025 fourth-round pick.

"Reddick would provide San Francisco with an upgrade (over Gross-Matos). And while few teams will be eager to help out the 49ers this season, sending Reddick to San Francisco would at least get him out of the conference," Knox said.

"The 49ers might not be eager to sign Reddick to a long-term deal since quarterback Brock Purdy will be extension-eligible next offseason. With $56.7 million in cap space available, though, they could offer him a slight 2024 pay increase and a stage on which to audition for next year's free-agent market."

Reddick was a Pro Bowler in each of the past two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, totaling 27 sacks, and led the NFL with five forced fumbles in 2023. He was traded to the Jets in April, but has refused to report to the team while reportedly racking up over $8 million in fines.

If San Francisco could get their hands on Reddick, even for just one season, they would have football's most fearsome pass rush. With Reddick on one side of the line and Nick Bosa on the other, defenses would have to choose who to leave exposed one-on-one.

It's always a risk to bring in a player unhappy in their current situation. But for the 49ers, it's a risk that could bring a championship reward.

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