Though the San Francisco 49ers are regaining their health, one position is lacking. The pass rush is looking thin, as Mykel Williams just got put on the PUP, and both Nick Bosa and Romello Height are uncertain for Week 1.
The injuries to Bosa and Williams aren't new, and the 49ers could've easily invested in some more depth at the position. There was a veteran who had expressed his burning desire to joing the squad months ago, yet the organization chose to sit on their hands. Now, he may have just slipped out from under their noses.
It was only May when veteran edge rusher Kyle Van Noy expressed his interest in joining his former college teammate, Fred Warner, in San Francisco. When asked if both sides had communicated back and forth, he declined to say, rather than outright denying the possibility. Even then, both of the team's top edge rushers were still recovering from injuries that ended their 2025 season.
Unfortunately, they sat on their hands for too long. Van Noy just signed to the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad, making the free-agent market even tougher for the Niners to navigate.
Kyle Van Noy would've been the perfect short-term fit for 49ers
Van Noy represents everything Kyle Shanahan likes in an insurance signing. At age 35, he's experienced, inexpensive, and would do nothing to disrupt the current chemistry in the locker room. Such a signing wouldn't have made any front pages, but, at this point in the year, the 49ers don't need to be making any blockbuster moves.
Even if he was nothing more than a rental, Van Noy would've effectively bridged the gap between now and when Williams returns off the PUP.
Though PFF grading didn't look kindly upon the former Pro Bowler, he could still thrive in the right system. Unfortunately for San Francisco, that system will be in Minnesota.
49ers still have other a few options to look into
While Van Noy is no longer a viable option to bolster the 49ers' pass rush, there are still a few options left in the free agent pool.
Haasan Reddick could be a dependable fill-in for Williams. Having last recorded double-digit sacks back in 2023, his best days are clearly behind him, but he spent the first four years of his career in the NFC West and is familiar with the conference.
Most notably might be Joey Bosa. Familial relations aside, the 31-year-old recorded five sacks last season in Los Angeles. Fans would love seeing Nick Bosa team up with his brother, and bringing in a former Pro-Bowler would surely help ease the burden on younger defenders.
While San Francisco missed out on Kyle Van Noy, there are still options. Hopefully, Mykel Williams will only miss the required four games. Even so, it would be in the 49ers' best interest to help bolster the pass rush until then.
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