Will the 49ers Trade for Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson?

A Game-Changing Opportunity

Trey Hendrickson is on the trade market, and the San Francisco 49ers have a golden opportunity to acquire one of the league’s best pass rushers. With the Cincinnati Bengals allowing him to seek a new contract elsewhere, the 49ers could make a bold move that would instantly elevate their defense.

But will they?

Why the 49ers Need Hendrickson

San Francisco has been searching for a dominant edge rusher to complement Nick Bosa. They attempted to sign Joey Bosa before he ultimately landed with the Buffalo Bills. They also released Leonard Floyd, leaving a major hole on their defensive line.

Hendrickson would not only fill that void but significantly upgrade the position. Over the past two seasons, he has recorded 35 sacks—nearly double the 19.5 sacks Nick Bosa has accumulated in the same span. His relentless motor, elite pass-rushing skills, and ability to create havoc in opposing backfields would give the 49ers the most fearsome defensive front in the NFL.

The Financial Dilemma

While trading for Hendrickson sounds like a dream scenario, there’s a major roadblock: money. The 49ers have already earmarked a significant portion of their cap space for Brock Purdy’s upcoming contract extension. If they acquire Hendrickson, they’ll likely need to offer him a lucrative extension as well.

That raises a tough question—can the 49ers afford to pay both Hendrickson and Purdy at the same time? If they prioritize Purdy’s deal, a trade for Hendrickson becomes unlikely. But if they find a way to maneuver their finances, it could reshape their entire defense.

A Wild Card Scenario

There’s one scenario where the 49ers could make this work—if they shock the league and trade Brock Purdy before the NFL Draft. While unlikely, such a move would free up cap space, allowing them to build a dominant defensive unit around Hendrickson and another quarterback, such as Mac Jones.

Would the 49ers prefer Purdy at quarterback or an unstoppable pass-rushing duo of Bosa and Hendrickson? The answer seems clear—for now, Purdy is their guy. But in the unpredictable world of the NFL, anything is possible.

The Bottom Line

Trey Hendrickson is a game-wrecker and would instantly become the 49ers’ best player. If San Francisco finds a way to make the financials work, they should absolutely pursue a trade. However, given their commitment to Purdy’s extension, it’s more likely Hendrickson will land elsewhere.

Still, if the 49ers want to take their defense to a championship level, this is the kind of move that could make all the difference.