The San Francisco 49ers suffered devastating news when it was announced that star edge rusher Nick Bosa would miss the rest of the season due to injury. Losing one of the league’s premier pass rushers is a crippling blow to a defense built around collapsing the pocket. For a Super Bowl contender like San Francisco, standing pat isn’t an option. This is why Miami Dolphins edge rusher Jaelan Phillips becomes the ideal trade target.
Phillips, a former first-round pick, is only beginning to scratch the surface of his potential as one of the NFL’s most dangerous young pass rushers. He has the explosiveness, bend, and motor to be an immediate difference-maker for the 49ers’ defensive line. While the Dolphins view him as a long-term building block, Miami is also thin on draft capital and still needs to address roster depth in other areas. For San Francisco, this is the time to strike.
Why Jaelan Phillips is the Answer
The 49ers’ defense has been dominant in recent years, powered by a relentless front seven anchored by Bosa. With him sidelined, defenses will worry less about double-teaming off the edge, and that dramatically alters San Francisco’s scheme. Insert Phillips, and the damage can be mitigated.
Standing 6-foot-5 with an explosive first step, Phillips offers the same kind of edge-rushing prowess the 49ers lost with Bosa’s injury. He has already demonstrated the ability to win against elite tackles with speed-to-power moves, and he fits seamlessly into Steve Wilks’ attacking front. Put him alongside Javon Hargrave and Arik Armstead, and San Francisco once again boasts one of the league’s most feared pass rushes.
Unlike a short-term rental, Phillips is still just 25 and under contract through his rookie deal. That means the 49ers would be acquiring both immediate production and long-term stability. Few edge rushers with his upside are ever available on the trade market, which makes this a rare opportunity.
If Miami seriously considers moving Phillips, the decision wouldn’t come lightly. He’s a cornerstone player who perfectly complements Bradley Chubb on the other side of the defense. However, injuries in Phillips’ past, coupled with Miami’s salary cap squeezes and their lack of premium draft picks, could force them to listen if an overwhelming offer comes in.
The Dolphins need flexibility going forward. They’ve already invested heavily into Tua Tagovailoa’s supporting cast, Tyreek Hill’s megadeal, and a pricey defense headlined by Jalen Ramsey and Chubb. Every dollar matters, especially with looming decisions on Jaylen Waddle and others. Trading Phillips may sting in the short term, but if it nets Miami premium value, it can help balance the roster for the long haul.
San Francisco offers that chance. The 49ers have consistently leveraged trades to bolster their elite roster, and this would be another bold move in the franchise’s win-now window. By dangling a package rich in draft capital and a promising young defender, the Dolphins could accrue assets to reload while still competing in the present.
The Perfect Trade Package
So, what exactly would it take for the 49ers to pry Jaelan Phillips away from Miami? To get it done, San Francisco would have to part with both valuable draft compensation and a defensive player to plug immediately into the Dolphins’ rotation.
Proposed trade offer:
San Francisco 49ers receive:
- EDGE Jaelan Phillips
Miami Dolphins receive:
- 2026 first-round pick
- 2027 third-round pick
- EDGE Drake Jackson
For Miami, this deal provides a premium first-round pick that replenishes their ability to draft high-impact youth in the coming years. They also gain a promising young edge rusher in Jackson, who has shown flashes of breakout potential but hasn’t fully carved out his spot with the 49ers. In a larger role, he could develop into a solid contributor for the Dolphins while being cost-controlled. Adding a third-rounder sweetens the pot, giving Miami additional maneuverability in the draft.
For San Francisco, the trade is steep, but necessary. With their Super Bowl contention window wide open, draft picks take secondary importance compared to plugging Bosa’s void. Phillips immediately gives the 49ers back their ability to dominate opposing offensive lines and keep pressure on top NFC quarterbacks like Dak Prescott, Jared Goff, and Jalen Hurts.
A Trade Both Sides Could Justify
This deal is a true reflection of each franchise’s trajectory. The 49ers aren’t looking to rebuild—they’re looking to win the Lombardi Trophy this season. Acquiring Phillips is a clear sign that they won’t let an injury derail their championship aspirations.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins continue to think strategically about long-term sustainability. A first-round pick, mid-round capital, and a young pass rusher would help keep their cap sheet flexible while avoiding issues with future extensions. As painful as losing a talent like Phillips might be, Miami is deep enough to continue competing in the AFC while restocking for the future.
In the end, the perfect trade isn’t about who “wins” the deal outright, but about solving immediate problems for both sides. San Francisco desperately needs a playmaker to soften the blow of losing Bosa. Miami could use premier draft picks and roster flexibility to maintain its trajectory in a loaded conference.
Trading Jaelan Phillips would shock the league, but if the 49ers are willing to step up with this kind of package, it’s a move that could reshape the Super Bowl landscape for both organizations.
