The San Francisco 49ers have been at the center of some major rumors this offseason, and one thing is certain: their roster could be changing dramatically in the near future. With the NFL world buzzing about potential trades for two of the league’s biggest stars—Miles Garrett and Cooper Kupp—the Niners’ front office faces some huge decisions.
First, let’s talk about Miles Garrett. The Cleveland Browns defensive lineman has requested a trade, and his incredible performance in 2023, where he was named Defensive Player of the Year, makes him a coveted player. Garrett has consistently been one of the top pass rushers in the league, recording 14 sacks in back-to-back seasons and dominating on the field. Pairing him with Nick Bosa could be a terrifying prospect for opposing offenses.
But would trading for Garrett be the right move for the Niners? The question on everyone’s mind is: is he worth the hefty price tag that comes with him? The proposed trade scenario suggests that the Niners would need to give up two first-round picks (2025 and 2026) and kicker Jake Moody. That’s a huge ask, especially considering Garrett is turning 30 this year. However, when you consider his ability to elevate the defense and give the Niners the edge they need to compete for a Super Bowl, it’s hard to ignore the potential for a championship-caliber team.
The San Francisco 49ers’ defense could become nearly unstoppable with Garrett joining Bosa, and with the window for a Super Bowl title wide open, this might be a trade that propels them to greatness. But here’s the rub—would they be giving up too much to land a player who might only have a few prime years left? It’s a gamble, but one that could pay off in a massive way if the Niners are able to make a championship run.
On the offensive side, the Niners are also being linked to wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who has expressed frustration with the Los Angeles Rams and is reportedly looking for a new team. Kupp’s injury history and down year in 2024 have raised questions about whether he’s still the elite playmaker he once was. While Kupp’s 2021 season—where he won the Triple Crown for receiving—was one for the history books, recent years have seen him struggle with injuries, and his 2024 numbers were far from spectacular.
But former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky believes Kupp still has plenty of juice left, especially with the right supporting cast. The San Francisco 49ers could certainly use another elite wide receiver, especially with the uncertain future of Brandon Aiyuk, who is recovering from a major knee injury. Adding Kupp would give the Niners a deadly receiving core, alongside Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings, and rookies like Ricky Peaw and Jacob Cowing. Yet, the question remains—should the Niners invest in a receiver who is coming off an injury-riddled season and may no longer be able to perform at the level we’ve come to expect from him?
From a financial perspective, trading for Kupp would require significant cap space, and the Niners would need to weigh the potential return on investment carefully. Is the risk worth it for a player whose best days might be behind him? Many would argue that the Niners’ offense is solid enough as is and that the focus should instead be on strengthening their offensive and defensive lines.
So, what’s the verdict? Would you rather see the Niners pursue Miles Garrett, a generational talent who could take their defense to another level, or Cooper Kupp, a once-in-a-generation wide receiver whose future is uncertain? It’s clear that both trades come with risks, but they also present an opportunity to make a massive splash and potentially set the Niners up for Super Bowl glory.
Here’s where you come in—should the 49ers make a trade for Cooper Kupp? Should they go all-in for Miles Garrett? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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Poll Question: Should the Niners trade for Cooper Kupp?
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