An Unthinkable Move: Packers Are Shipping Their Top Pass Rusher to San Francisco for a Draft Pick That Has Fans Speculating Wildly.QQ

In a stunning move that could reshape the defensive landscapes of both teams, the Green Bay Packers are reportedly considering trading their talented edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare to the San Francisco 49ers. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has indicated that Enagbare, a 25-year-old defensive “monster” with 9.5 career sacks, could be the key to bolstering the 49ers’ pass rush, especially after the devastating loss of star Nick Bosa to a season-ending ACL injury in Week 3. In return, the Packers are eyeing a valuable draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to further strengthen their already formidable roster.

Enagbare’s Journey with the Packers

Drafted in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Kingsley Enagbare has been a reliable depth piece for the Packers’ defensive line. Over his four-year career, he has appeared in all 55 regular-season games, starting 18, and has racked up 9.5 sacks, 23 quarterback hits, and three forced fumbles. His standout season came in 2024, when he recorded 4.5 sacks, eight quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.

However, this season, Enagbare’s role has been diminished due to the Packers’ blockbuster acquisition of Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys just before the season. Paired with Rashan Gary and former first-round pick Lukas Van Ness, the Packers’ edge-rushing trio has combined for 7.5 sacks in the first four games, leaving Enagbare as the odd man out. Despite playing in all four games, he has yet to record a sack, managing only six tackles and one quarterback hit.

Why the 49ers Are Interested

The San Francisco 49ers are in desperate need of pass-rushing help after losing Bosa, who, despite his injury, still ranks second on the team with two sacks and is tied for the lead with four tackles for loss. Without their defensive cornerstone, the 49ers are exploring trade options to shore up their front seven, and Enagbare’s consistent pressure generation—logging at least 20 pressures in each of the past three seasons, per Pro Football Focus—makes him an attractive target.

Rapoport also mentioned Tennessee Titans’ Arden Key and Miami Dolphins’ Bradley Chubb as potential trade candidates, but Enagbare’s youth, affordability, and untapped potential could make him the most appealing option for a 49ers team looking to remain competitive in the NFC.

The Trade Calculus for Green Bay

With Enagbare nearing the end of his rookie contract, the Packers face a critical decision. Trading him could net a draft pick higher than the compensatory selection they might receive if he leaves in free agency. According to Packers Wire’s Zach Kruse, Green Bay would likely demand a pick that exceeds the value of a future compensatory selection to justify moving Enagbare.

At 2-1-1, the Packers are one of the NFC’s most complete teams, boasting a young, talented roster poised for a deep playoff run. However, playoff football demands depth, particularly at edge rusher, where injuries can quickly derail a season. If Parsons, Gary, or Van Ness were to go down, Enagbare’s experience and reliability would be invaluable. His potential replacement, 2025 fourth-round pick Barryn Sorrell, has shown promise with 0.5 sacks and one quarterback hit in three games, but lacks Enagbare’s proven track record.

What a Trade Could Mean for Both Teams

For the 49ers, acquiring Enagbare could provide a much-needed spark to their pass rush. His ability to generate consistent pressure would complement San Francisco’s defensive scheme, offering a cost-effective solution to replace Bosa’s production. At 25, Enagbare also represents a long-term investment who could grow into a larger role.

For the Packers, trading Enagbare for a 2026 draft pick could provide additional assets to continue building around their young core. While losing depth at edge rusher is a risk, the potential to secure a high-value pick could outweigh the short-term concerns, especially if Sorrell proves capable of stepping up.

This potential trade underscores the high-stakes nature of the NFL, where teams must balance immediate needs with long-term planning. For Green Bay, moving Enagbare could signal confidence in their current depth and a focus on future roster flexibility. For San Francisco, it’s a chance to salvage a season derailed by injury and keep their Super Bowl aspirations alive.

As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on whether the Packers and 49ers can strike a deal that sends the “monster” edge rusher to the Bay Area. If the trade goes through, it could be a game-changer for both franchises in 2025 and beyond.