Managing to remain healthy early in the 2025 season as been akin to pulling teeth for the 49ers. With Nick Bosa out of the picture for the remainder of the campaign, San Francisco is understandably known to be a suitor regarding an in-season trade acquisition along the edge. 
The 49ers are not the only 3-0 team to watch in that regard, however. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler writes the Chargers could be in the market for a pass rush trade. Khalil Mack finds himself on injured reserve, and Week 4 will mark the second of at least four games he is required to miss. Joey Bosa was released in the offseason, meaning neither member of Los Angeles’ long-running EDGE tandem is available for the time being.
The Chargers have veteran Bud Dupree in the fold, and his notable workload (55% snap share through three weeks) is likely to continue especially while Mack is sidelined. Undrafted rookie Caleb Murphy has played in every game to date, while Kyle Kennard (taken in the fourth round of the draft) made his debut against the Broncos in Week 3. Those two will continue to operate in complementary roles moving forward.
Of course, Tuli Tuipulotu is in place as well. The 2023 second-rounder has yet to record a sack this season after notching 8.5 in 2024, but he has been a key figure with a 77% snap share to date. That will no doubt remain the case moving forward, especially if Mack’s absence proves to be a lengthy one. Regardless, Los Angeles could seek out a veteran option to finish out the campaign.
At the start of the season, the likes of Za’Darius Smith, Jadeveon Clowney and Preston Smith were free agents. Each member of that trio has since been signed, however, thinning out the market for options on that front. A trade could be explored by second-year general manager Joe Hortiz ahead of the deadline as a result.
Los Angeles holds a two-game lead on the rest of the AFC West entering tomorrow’s action. Considering each of the team’s wins have come in divisional matchups, the Chargers are in a very strong position early on to build off last year’s postseason berth and contend for a deep run. With over $11MM in cap space, finances would not be an issue if a rental swap were to be worked out in time for the stretch run.
An AJ Epensa trade could benefit both parties.
AJ is at least a capable edge – and he has had moments of greatness. Expiring deal and the Bills are gonna be making tough roster decisions in a few weeks. Nobody expects him to be a A list rusher, but he is a very solid B lister. Maybe a new environment unlocks more.
Im not sure he fetches more than a fifth – but I think if I were SF – maybe Dallas, that’s a price Id pay. The potential return would be greater than the price.