The San Francisco 49ers are in a win-now window entering the 2026 NFL season. However, could the stand pat on potentially making a blockbuster trade as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches on April 23?
Dexter Lawrence’s issues with the New York Giants seem to extend beyond his contract. Separate reports from CBS Sports insider Jonathan Jones and the New York Post indicate he is looking to move on from New York, no matter how things play out.
As a result, could the Niners be one of the teams looking to lure Lawrence out of New York? David Lombardi of the San Francisco Standard doesn’t see the 49ers being a serious player for the defensive tackle.
“Would the 49ers go after Dexter Lawrence? Likely not,” Lombardi said on April 16 on his YouTube channel. “I mean, of course, make a call, but they’ve already added at the defensive tackle position. That is Osa Odighizuwa. It is a different DT position, though. I think that’s something that has to be emphasized as we look at how the 49ers are building this roster. We’re talking about foundational pillars for San Francisco.
“They do have a new foundational pillar that they have acquired for defensive tackle. You see that shaded here in yellow, and Osa Odighizuwa, but that is the 3-technique defensive tackle position. Dexter Lawrence plays the nose. He plays the 1-technique, and that’s what makes him so valuable.”
Could the 49ers Go After a Veteran Pass Rusher?
While the 49ers might not be willing to part ways with valuable drafts to bolster their defense for the 2026 NFL season, they could turn to the veteran market to find more depth.
Regarding which player San Francisco could pursue, CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell sees the Niners as the top landing spot for Jadeveon Clowney, who spent last season with the Dallas Cowboys.
“The San Francisco 49ers ranked last in the NFL in team sacks in 2025, and their 1.18 sacks per game now stands as the lowest by a team that made the postseason,” Podell wrote in his article published on April 3.
“Yes, San Francisco gets both 2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year edge rusher Nick Bosa (torn ACL) and 2025 11th overall pick edge rusher Mykel Williams (torn ACL and torn meniscus) back in 2026/ Adding a healthy, proven pass rush threat along the edge in Clowney would relieve some of the urgency on those two to rush back from their injuries.
“Plus, Clowney already has plenty of pass-rush chemistry with new 49ers defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa after suiting up together in Dallas last season.”
Cowboys Didn’t Want to Lose Osa Odighizuwa
Speaking of Osa Odighizuwa, the Cowboys traded the defensive tackle to the 49ers in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick (No. 92). Recently, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer shared his thoughts when he learned that Odighizuwa was heading to the Niners.
“Anytime you go through a scheme change, there’s going to be adjustments where you move on from an incredible person, an incredible leader in Osa,” Schottenheimer told reporters in a March 31 video from DLLS Cowboys.
“That was one of the hard ones. I’m happy to share with you guys that I wept. We both wept on the phone together. It was hard. That’s the nature of the business, and I’m thrilled that he’s going to a place that is a great fit for him.”
49ers Insider Shares Dexter Lawrence II Take Amid Latest News