49ers NFL: Trade Up to No. 7, Land Star Defender for Purdy’s Revival!

San Francisco,Th – April 17, 2025

In a bold move at the 2025 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers traded up from No. 11 to No. 7 with the New York Jets, securing a star defender to bolster their roster. The deal, finalized Thursday in Green Bay, saw John Lynch send a third-round pick alongside the 11th selection, per sources. The acquisition aims to support Brock Purdy and revive a team that slumped to 6-11 in 2024.

Purdy, 25, remains the 49ers’ cornerstone, with a 23-13 regular-season record and a Super Bowl appearance. His 2024 stats—3,864 yards, 20 touchdowns, 12 interceptions—came despite an injury-plagued offensive line and the loss of Deebo Samuel. With Purdy’s $50-60 million extension looming, Kyle Shanahan needs cost-effective talent to maximize his window, making this trade pivotal.

The new defender, a 6-foot-4, 305-pound force, dominated college tape with 8.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss in 2024. His disruptive presence fills the void left by Javon Hargrave and Leonard Floyd, whose departures crippled San Francisco’s front, allowing 24.3 points per game. Paired with Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, he could restore the 49ers’ defensive identity under Robert Saleh.

The trade’s roots trace to Lynch’s draft strategy. With 11 picks, including three fourth-rounders, San Francisco could afford to sacrifice a third-rounder. The No. 7 slot ensured access to elite prospects like Mason Graham or Jalon Walker, who were unlikely to fall to No. 11. Shanahan’s vision hinges on protecting Purdy and pressuring quarterbacks, making this defender a perfect fit.

For the Jets, the deal is a calculated win. Dropping to No. 11, they still secured a high-value player while gaining a third-round pick to bolster depth. With Justin Fields and Russell Wilson signed, New York’s quarterback needs are addressed, allowing flexibility to target positions like wide receiver or cornerback, per Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic.

Risks linger for San Francisco. Trading up depletes draft capital, limiting options to replace Trent Williams, 36, or reinforce a secondary missing Charvarius Ward. The 49ers’ offensive line, 22nd in QB pressure allowed, remains a concern for Purdy’s safety. A miss on this defender could haunt Lynch, especially with Graham’s unproven NFL transition.

Financially, the move is savvy. The rookie’s four-year, $14 million deal fits the 49ers’ $22 million cap, preserving space for Purdy’s extension or free-agent signings. By avoiding a costly veteran like Jalen Ramsey, Lynch balances immediate impact with long-term flexibility, critical in a cap-strapped offseason.

This trade signals San Francisco’s all-in commitment to Purdy. A fortified defense could ease pressure on an offense reliant on Christian McCaffrey and Brandon Aiyuk, setting the stage for a 2025 playoff push. As the NFC West looms, Shanahan’s gamble on a star defender may define the 49ers’ redemption arc.