San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch joined Bay Area radio station KNBR on Thursday morning for his weekly appearance. Naturally, the conversation turned to Nick Bosa, the All-Pro defensive end who suffered a season-ending ACL injury on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.
The loss is a major blow to the 49ers' defense, as Bosa has long been a leader and cornerstone along the defensive front. Lynch shared that Bosa will undergo surgery to repair the damage in his knee on Friday.
With Bosa sidelined for the remainder of the season, speculation has swirled about whether San Francisco might look outside the organization to bolster its pass rush. Could that help arrive via trade?
"Of course," Lynch said. "We're always looking. Prior to Nick getting hurt, we're always—that's our jobs, is to look at the market and see who might become available. Our history shows, when you've got guys like Trent Williams, Christian McCaffrey, and the list goes on and on of players we've acquired via trade, that we're not afraid, and we've been effective in doing that. So this is no different."
Still, Lynch emphasized that the 49ers are not desperate to add outside help. The team remains confident in its current group of pass rushers, including first-round draft pick Mykel Williams and veteran Bryce Huff, who was acquired via trade earlier this year.
"I do think we're a deep group there, and that depth is going to be tested," Lynch explained. "I think we're all aware that finding someone who just goes and does what Nick Bosa does, that's not very feasible, but we'll see what's out there at the appropriate time. But right now, we're going to rely on the guys we have, and we believe in our group."
Mykel Williams earning praise
Lynch spoke highly of Williams, who has shown steady improvement and versatility each week. The rookie is expected to see expanded opportunities down the stretch.
"I think the fans are seeing the same thing we're seeing," Lynch said. "He's getting better every week, and we're asking a lot of Mykel. If you're a fan, just watch it. It's pretty fascinating. He'll line up at right defensive end, left defensive end. He'll line up at defensive end in a nine technique, a four technique, in a six technique. He'll line up inside on pass rush, on the right side, on the left side.
"So, to ask that much of a young man, it's a lot. But he's shown the ability to handle it. And then, his effectiveness each and every week, he's getting a little more confident, a little more trusting in his techniques, and you're starting to see it pay dividends. I think he's going to be a fantastic player. I think he's just scratching the surface, and his future with us is really, really exciting."
Bryce Huff's role and impact
Lynch also praised Huff, who was acquired for his pass-rushing ability. While not previously known as a strong run defender—which is backed by analytics—Huff has proven capable of adapting to whatever role the 49ers ask of him.
"I think the thing we have to be mindful of, when we went out and got Bryce, Saleh has coached him before, and you kind of know, hey, this guy's most effective if he plays this amount of snaps," Lynch explained. "I think you've just got to be mindful that just because Bosa's not here, we now all of a sudden aren't asking Bryce to play 50 snaps a game. But Bryce has been tremendous."