.jpg)
8 hours ago
3
After losing Nick Bosa to a season-ending ACL tear, the San Francisco 49ers were in desperate need of a pass rusher. While there are some intriguing options around the league, there's a clear top trade target.
That player is Cincinnati Bengals All-Pro pass rusher Trey Hendrickson. While the Bengals might not explore a trade, their pass rusher is garnering a ton of interest as the deadline approaches.
For the 49ers, according to NFL insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the 49ers are the top team vying for Hendrickson, as they're "showing the most interest" in the All-Pro pass rusher ahead of the trade deadline.
49ers 'showing the most interest' in Trey Hendrickson
"Bengals All-Pro pass rusher Trey Hendrickson is drawing attention around the league," Russini reports, "with the 49ers showing the most interest."
San Francisco showing the most interest of any of the pass-rusher-needy teams is a good sign that the 49ers will be adding a pass rusher to replace Bosa at some point before the deadline.
But what are the chances that they can land Hendrickson? Well, Russini also reported that "Cincinnati isn't shopping him, and after the Bengals' Thursday night win, most do not expect him to get moved."
So, while the 49ers are the team showing the most interest in Hendrickson, with their clear need for a pass rusher putting them in position to spend big on the position, they aren't expected to get a trade done, as Cincinnati doesn't plan to move him.
Their win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football didn't shut down negotiations, but it significantly narrowed the gap for a trade to take place.
More: 49ers reportedly consider a trade for Bengals' Trey Hendrickson an 'ideal fit'
A loss would've had Hendrickson be a much more likely trade candidate, but the Bengals' win has lit a spark of hope in the organization, making a trade for the 49ers a lot less likely to pull off.
But, even if the 49ers can't land Hendrickson, their strong interest reveals the team's trade deadline plans. Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch know they need to add to their pass rush, and while Hendrickson might no longer be available, the 49ers will be in talks for the next best available player.
Jermaine Johnson of the New York Jets could reunite with Robert Saleh. Miami Dolphins' pass rushers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips are also names to consider for the 49ers as the deadline approaches.
But, regardless of what the 49ers land on, their interest in a pass rusher is real. They're the top team in on the Hendrickson trade talks, and while such a deal might not be unlikely, their interest shows how the team is planning to address Bosa's absence by the deadline this season. The only question left is who the 49ers end up trading for.
English (US)