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By James Brizuela
Contributing Writer
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The San Francisco 49ers suffered a major loss when star linebacker Fred Warner suffered a broken and dislocated ankle in Week 6. After losing Nick Bosa to an ACL injury, Warner being out for the year was the proverbial salt on the wound.
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Due to losing two superstars in one season, the 49ers are likely to be searching for replacements ahead of the trade deadline. Though there are pass rushers the team may be targeting to replace Bosa, there is one All-Pro linebacker the team has been linked to that could replace Warner.
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A team that could be angling for a fire sale is the New York Jets. At 0-6, there is little hope the team can turn things around and compete in the AFC. That said, one player that may be dealt is All-Pro linebacker Quincy Williams.
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Williams is in the final year of his contract, and it would make sense for the Jets to want to stack draft capital for a reset in 2026. Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN broke down why Williams would be traded and could be a fit for the 49ers.
"If the Jets are dealing players, as most people seem to expect they will, could linebacker Quincy Williams (who's playing on the final year of his contract) make sense for San Francisco?," Graziano stated
"The Warner injury leaves a massive hole in the middle of the 49ers' defense that can't be replaced. But adding reinforcements would be a sensible option. Williams has a long history with 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh from their days with the Jets. He became an All-Pro under Saleh. And sitting at 0-6 feels like a unique window for the Jets to acquire assets for the future. So, on paper it makes sense," Fowler stated.
Williams has picked up 1.5 sacks in three games thus far. He was placed on injured reserve and has been out for the last three games. Considering he is turning 30 and has suffered this injury, the 49ers may get a good deal in bringing him in to replace Warner.
It does make sense for the 49ers to target a linebacker who can replace Warner. As much as the priority could and should be pass rush help, a stalwart linebacker should be at the top of the list as well.
The 49ers have been good against the run in 2025, but the effect of Warner's injury took hold on Sunday. It allowed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to get over 100 yards rushing, and Baker Mayfield rifled off big runs and passes throughout the game.
Williams could aid both in stopping the run and with his pass rush skills. It just depends on when he will be healthy to return, and what the 49ers would need to give up to get him.
For more on the 49ers and NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
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