49ers expected to check in with Bengals about a Trey Hendrickson trade

The San Francisco 49ers are 4-1, sitting atop the NFC West. But, they aren't a final roster by any means. With injuries to multiple offensive positions and some defensive uncertainty, the 49ers have a few reasons to be active at the trade deadline.

One of those positions that the 49ers need to address is along their defensive line, specifically, in adding a pass rusher to replace the injured Nick Bosa.

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the 49ers are not just going to canvass the pass rusher trade market, but they're expected to make a call to the Cincinnati Bengals about star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson.

49ers expected to call Bengals about a Trey Hendrickson trade

While the Bengals have dealt with an injury to their starting quarterback like the 49ers have, their record is vastly different. At 2-3, the Bengals might be moving towards a sell-off if their schedule leading up to the trade deadline goes poorly.

"San Francisco is canvassing the pass rusher market to fill the void left by Nick Bosa's injury," Russini reports. "I expected them to call Cincinnati about Trey Hendrickson."

The Bengals' star pass rusher was one of many stars in Cincinnati going through contract disputes. He and the Bengals eventually agreed to a one-year, $29 million restructured deal, which would have Hendrickson hitting the open market after 2025.

Now, with the Bengals down, Joe Burrow at risk of falling significantly behind in the playoff hunt, Hendrickson could be on the move to get back any value instead of letting him stick with the team through a lost year.

The four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher was an All-Pro for the first time in his NFL career in 2024, and for good reason. He led the NFL in sacks with 17.5,  which was also the second-straight year with 17.5 sacks.

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So far this season, in five games, Hendrickson has four sacks, 13 tackles, and eight quarterback hits. He'd be one of the hottest commodities if he were to become available at the deadline, though, for now, the Bengals aren't likely to trade him.

But, if they continue to lose as the deadline approaches, and 2025 looks more and more like a lost season, a team like the 49ers, in need of pass rush help after Bosa's injury, could pounce and offer a solid return for Cincinnati to land one of the best pass rushers in the game.

The 30-year-old pass rusher is a very intriguing name to watch at the deadline this season, and the 49ers are already being linked to a potential trade by an NFL insider.

It's not a surprise that the 49ers are checking in on Hendrickson with their pass rush injuries, but it's an encouraging sign that the front office would be willing to spend draft capital to bring in a star player like Hendrickson for a Super Bowl push this season.

More 49ers News:

• 49ers GM John Lynch comments on potential trade possibilities amid Nick Bosa’s injury
• Mac Jones’ hot streak puts $265M QB Brock Purdy on the spot, Schefter weighs in
• 49ers-Saints trade prediction swaps 3-time All-Pro DE for third-round draft pick
• 49ers could call about a trade for 2 NFC edge rushers to replace Nick Bosa after recent rumor