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2 NFC Contenders Getting Trade Buzz As Fit For Star Jets Edge Rusher

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. trade-buzz-as-fit-for-star-jets-edge-rusher.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 16:51 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Why Zach matters to the Jets

Zach, who has accumulated more than 25 sacks over the past three seasons, is known for his quick first step, exceptional leverage, and ability to collapse the pocket from the edge. In 2023, he posted 20 sacks and 4 forced fumbles, making him a top-tier pass‑rusher in the league. The Jets’ defense, which finished 32nd in pass‑defense points allowed last year, has been criticized for its lack of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Head coach Joe Lombardi, who has called out the need for a “sack machine” in every interview, sees Zach as the missing piece that could transform the unit from the outside in.

The trade window and cap logistics

The Jets’ salary cap in 2024 is a moving target. After signing a 4‑year, $50 million extension to quarterback Sam Darnold and committing to a $15 million offensive line upgrade, the team is forced to look for value in its trade offers. Mike Tannenbaum, the Jets’ general manager, has publicly stated that the organization is willing to give up a mix of draft capital and a player in exchange for a player of Zach’s caliber. According to the report, the Jets would likely need to include a mid‑tier defensive end on their roster (such as Jalen Carter or Eddie Jackson) and at least one second‑round pick to sweeten any deal. The organization’s goal is to keep Zach’s contract manageable while ensuring the team remains competitive on both sides of the ball.

Two NFC contenders on the table

The article identifies two NFC clubs that have been rumored to be involved in the trade talks: the San Francisco 49ers and the Detroit Lions. While the exact nature of their interest is not fully disclosed, the analysis suggests:

• San Francisco 49ers – The 49ers have been shuffling their roster to address a perceived shortfall in offensive line protection for their star quarterback, Trey Lance. Trading Zach would give the 49ers a seasoned pass‑rusher who can work alongside their own offensive line depth, potentially adding a new dimension to their defense. In exchange, the 49ers could offer a combination of a mid‑round draft pick and a backup offensive tackle, which would help the Jets’ offensive line depth while providing the Jets with a flexible asset.

• Detroit Lions – The Lions have long been in pursuit of a proven pass‑rusher to keep pace with the high‑powered offense of their newly appointed coach. Zach’s forced‑fumble and sack totals would align with Detroit’s goal of bolstering their edge and improving their overall defensive efficiency. The Lions could potentially offer a first‑round pick or a pair of mid‑round picks in a package that would address the Jets’ need for cap space and future draft capital.

Possible trade packages and the Jets’ future

In the broader context of the Jets’ roster, the trade window may involve a mix of players and draft picks. The organization is likely to seek a package that includes a mid‑tier offensive lineman, a backup cornerback, and a second‑round pick. The report notes that the Jets are still evaluating whether Zach would be better acquired via a trade or through free‑agency negotiations.

Given the Jets’ recent draft history—most notably their first‑round pick on Jalen Carter and second‑round picks on Bennie Logan and Quinton Jenkins—there is speculation that the team may try to package a blend of talent and future upside. If the 49ers or Lions are reluctant to part with Zach outright, the Jets could consider a multi‑team deal that also includes defensive specialists such as a linebacker or a pass‑rushing defensive tackle.

Broader implications for the Jets’ offseason

The Jets’ pursuit of Zach signals a broader strategy for the upcoming 2024 season. With head coach Joe Lombardi emphasizing a “pass‑first” defensive scheme, acquiring a proven edge‑rusher would be a statement of intent that the organization is serious about reversing the recent decline. Additionally, the trade conversation places the Jets in a position to potentially move salary‑cap space, allowing the team to sign other key veterans or protect their draft capital.

The article also references a related piece from Sports Illustrated that delves into the Jets’ defensive shortcomings. That piece highlights the 2023 defensive statistics, noting that the Jets allowed the league’s highest number of sacks allowed per game (12.4) and the 30th‑ranked pass‑defense. It argues that Zach’s presence would provide the disruptive force the Jets need to keep quarterbacks off balance and to create turnovers.

In closing, the Jets’ front‑office is positioned at the center of an unfolding trade narrative that hinges on the acquisition of Zach—a player whose ability to pressure the quarterback can drastically alter the fortunes of a defense that has struggled to defend the pass. With two NFC contenders reportedly intrigued by a potential trade, the trade window could close early in the offseason, setting the stage for a significant defensive shift that could redefine the Jets’ competitive outlook for years to come.