The San Francisco 49ers, known for their aggressive roster building, could be eyeing a major upgrade for their pass rush. In a compelling offseason trade proposal, they are linked with Pittsburgh Steelers' dynamic edge rusher Nick Herbig.

With the NFL draft approaching, the 49ers might leverage their draft capital to acquire proven talent rather than banking on rookies. A recent hypothetical scenario from FOX Sports suggests San Francisco could send the No. 58 overall pick and a future conditional selection to Pittsburgh for Herbig.

This move addresses a critical need. The 49ers' pass rush lacked its trademark ferocity last season, with a team-high of just four sacks. While the hopeful returns of stars like Nick Bosa from injury are crucial, adding a young, productive player like Herbig would provide vital depth and immediate impact.

Despite playing a rotational role behind stars T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, the 24-year-old Herbig has been remarkably efficient. He has amassed 16 sacks and nine forced fumbles over his first three seasons, showcasing the high motor and playmaking ability that would thrive in a new system.

For the 49ers, acquiring a player of Herbig's caliber could be a strategic masterstroke. It would give new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris a versatile weapon and insulate the team against any setbacks in the recovery of key defenders. While the price of a high second-round pick is significant, securing a potential long-term answer on the edge might be a gamble worth taking for a team in championship contention.