San Francisco, CA – The San Francisco 49ers’ pass rush, which managed just 20 sacks last season, has been a glaring concern heading into the new campaign. With Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams returning from injury and rookie Romello Height added to the mix, optimism is building. Yet speculation continues to swirl around potential veteran reinforcements — and a blockbuster trade could be on the horizon.

According to insights shared by 49ers insider Grant Cohn, the team is eyeing Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher Alex Highsmith as a prime target. Speaking on the June 9 edition of “49ers Collective,” Cohn made a compelling case for pursuing the veteran through a trade.

“You’re going to have Nick Bosa on one side playing wide nine, and on the other side you’re going to have a stand-up outside linebacker, and that’s not Maxx Crosby, Joey Bosa, or Myles Garrett,” Cohn explained. “Still, you would find a way to get Myles Garrett on your defense; you would work it into what they’re trying to build. It seems like Alex Highsmith is a much better fit, and I bet you could get him for a third-round pick.”

Cohn emphasized the value proposition: “And would you rather spend a third-round pick on a 29-year-old edge rusher coming off a great year, or spend it on a guy most people project to go in rounds five or six? I would take Alex Highsmith; I think they should. I don’t know if they will, though.”

Highsmith’s potential availability stems in part from his contract situation in Pittsburgh. On the same episode, KNBR’s Larry Krueger revealed details from a conversation with a Steelers source, noting Highsmith’s $17.7 million cap figure and a degree of dissatisfaction with his current role.

“He is, $17.7 million is what his cap figure is,” Krueger said. “So he wouldn’t be cheap in that regard. But what I heard from a Steelers source was just that Nate Herbig signed that extension. Watt’s obviously getting paid. And that, Highsmith, is a little unhappy.”

Krueger was quick to highlight Highsmith’s impressive journey and fit: “I will say this: I love his profile. He went from walk-on at Charlotte to All-Conference, and when you go walk-on to All-Conference, that’s a great distance. That means you work hard and that means you mean something. So I like what he brings. He’s also in the prime of his career, he’s not old, and I think more pass rush is always good.”

Pairing Highsmith alongside Nick Bosa would create a formidable edge duo capable of disrupting opposing offenses and elevating the 49ers’ defensive front to elite status once again. While names like Joey Bosa and Jadeveon Clowney have been mentioned in free agency rumors, a trade for Highsmith offers a younger, high-upside solution that aligns with the team’s current defensive scheme.

Cohn has also floated other trade options, including Arizona Cardinals veteran Josh Sweat as a more affordable alternative to Maxx Crosby, praising Sweat’s fit in the outside linebacker role alongside players like Height and Luke Gifford. However, Highsmith appears to represent the more impactful immediate upgrade.

As the offseason narrative heats up, the 49ers’ front office faces a pivotal decision. Acquiring Highsmith would send a clear message across the NFC West: San Francisco is done rebuilding its pass rush — they’re ready to dominate it. The entire division has been put on notice.