The biggest headline out of the San Francisco 49ers’ organization in recent weeks has been contract talks with quarterback Brock Purdy.
But those negotiations can’t distract the 49ers’ front office from other pressing needs on the roster — most notably, a lack of proven talent along the defensive line outside of star edge rusher Nick Bosa.
A supporting cast featuring Yetur Gross-Matos, Kevin Givens, and Jordan Elliott doesn’t stack up to the units that powered San Francisco’s Super Bowl runs in 2019 and 2023. To address that, the 49ers could be eyeing a blockbuster trade for an All-Pro edge rusher out of the AFC.
49ers Predicted to Add Trey Hendrickson
The contract standoff between Trey Hendrickson and the Cincinnati Bengals shows no signs of ending. With Cincinnati prioritizing extensions for wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Hendrickson’s future with the team looks increasingly uncertain.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox predicts the 49ers will step in and make a big move for the Bengals’ pass rusher. The projected deal would send San Francisco’s No. 11, No. 75, and No. 100 picks to Cincinnati in exchange for Hendrickson and the Bengals’ No. 17 pick.
“While the San Francisco 49ers may not be undergoing a full-on rebuild this offseason, they have allowed several key contributors to walk and must now find ways to replace them,” Knox wrote.
“There was some speculation that San Francisco would try to pair Bosa with his brother, Joey, following his release from the Los Angeles Chargers. However, the elder Bosa signed with the Buffalo Bills instead, and it appears he was never particularly close to joining the 49ers.”
Knox’s logic points to a continued desire by the 49ers to pair Bosa with another elite edge rusher. And while they missed out on Joey Bosa, Trey Hendrickson would be a high-impact addition that no one in San Francisco’s building — Bosa included — would object to.
Even though Cincinnati’s defense ranked 28th in PFSN’s Defense+ metric, Hendrickson’s individual production was undeniable. He led the NFL in sacks in 2024 with 17.5, along with 19 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles.
San Francisco’s defense didn’t fare much better, placing 26th in the same metric. But pairing Bosa with Hendrickson could instantly lift the unit’s production and help anchor a more dangerous front.
“San Francisco is equipped with two third-round picks — it was awarded a special compensatory selection for the external hirings of DeMeco Ryans and Ran Carthon,” Knox noted.
“It could offer both selections, along with a fairly sizeable first-round jump, to Cincinnati for Hendrickson.”