Rams just hated to see NFC West rival make this unexpected trade

The 5-2 Los Angeles Rams know that the 5-3 San Francisco 49ers are dangerous rivals in pursuit of the NFC West Division title. So, the latest NFL rumors reporting that the 49ers' pass rush just got a huge boost is something that was the last thing the team wanted to see. And yet, it just happened.

The Niners have been battling injuries all season. But when Los Angeles had a hand at besting San Francisco's fielding offensive backups, the team simply didn't get it done. It is arguably the low point of a solid season so far. But after their third loss of the season, the 49ers' front office made a move., Unfortunately for Los Angeles fans, this one gets NFL insider Brian Baldinger's seal of approval.

General manager John Lynch understands that nine quarterback sacks over eight games won't get it done in the NFL. So he pried a disappointing edge rusher from the New England Patriots, Keion White, before the NFL trade deadline. While not a major move, San Fran hopes that a change of scenery can power cycle the former second-round selection.

The cost? The Patriots are sending White and a seventh-round pick to the Niners for a sixth-round pick

Keion White is low-risk, high-reward. But wait, there's more ...

While he is floundering this season, White was very impressive in 2024. He led the Pats' defense with 5.0 quarterback sacks and was a dominating force off the edge. While he hasn't done much this year, he joins a defense that isn't doing much to pressure opposing quarterbacks.

Can two wrongs make a right? GM John Lynch and the Bang Bang Niners Gang certainly hope so. For the cost of slipping some spots on Day 3 of the draft, it's a risk many believe to be worth taking.

John Lynch was not done, as he also signed defensive end Clelin Ferrell to the practice squad. He started all 17 games for the 49ers in 2023, when he recorded 3.5 quarterback sacks. Again, not an earthshaking move. He also signed former Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Andre Dillard to the practice squad. To make room, they released OL Brandon Parker from the practice squad.

The problem is, only defensive end Bryce Huff and Nick Bosa have multiple sacks for the Niners so far this season, and Bosa was placed on season-ending injured reserve after three games. The Niners are hoping that they can stitch together some semblance of a pass rush for the second half of the season.

Should Los Angeles fans be worried? Neither Keion White nor Clelin Ferrell has done anything in 2025 so far. But neither cost the Niners much of an investment. If either can ramp up to the defensive rotation and generate even modest pressure on opposing quarterbacks, they should be considered successful additions.

It's hardly an arms race in the NFC West Division at this point. But one thing is clear. After Rams general manager Les Snead placed the NFL on notice by trading for a promising cornerback, Roger McCreary, Lynch responded.

The ball is in Snead's court now. Grab the popcorn and enjoy the show.

And as always, thanks for reading.