The San Francisco 49ers battled injuries throughout the 2025 season and ultimately saw their playoff run end in the Divisional Round against the Seattle Seahawks. While the offense remained productive despite key absences, the defense struggled to find consistency, particularly in generating pressure off the edge.
With the pass rush underperforming, San Francisco is expected to prioritize reinforcements in the trenches this offseason. As 2026 free agency approaches, one analyst has identified the 49ers as a leading landing spot for a disruptive, four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher who could immediately bolster their defensive front.
49ers Eye Major Upgrade To Revamp Pass Rush
The 49ers fielded one of the league’s most underwhelming defenses this past season, finishing 26th in PFSN’s NFL Defense Impact Metric. Injuries to key edge players, including Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams (ACL tears), certainly played a role, but the lack of consistent pressure remained glaring.
San Francisco managed just 20 sacks on the season, a number that highlights the urgency to upgrade the pass rush. As a result, ESPN’s Ben Solak believes help could come in the form of Trey Hendrickson, who is set to hit free agency on March 11 after his stint with the Cincinnati Bengals.
“The 49ers will go for a defensive overhaul. Expect the 49ers to pursue John Franklin-Myers, an old pal of Saleh from his Jets days, and Trey Hendrickson, who makes sense on a one-year deal. They could swing for a big trade, too,” Solak wrote.
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Hendrickson has had a tense relationship with the Bengals since last offseason, when he was denied a major contract extension. The two sides eventually reached a compromise, with Hendrickson receiving a $14 million raise for the 2025 season.
Now approaching free agency, there are rumors that Cincinnati could use the franchise tag on him. However, given the strained relationship, that seems unlikely, and the 31-year-old appears poised to hit the open market in March, which would create an opportunity for the 49ers to address their pressing need for edge-rush production.
Hendrickson posted 17.5 sacks in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons, earning an All-Pro selection in 2024 and Pro Bowl nods in both years. His sack total dropped to just four last season, but he only played seven games due to injuries. When healthy, however, he remains one of the most dominant edge rushers in the league.
According to PFSN’s NFL EDGE Impact metric, Hendrickson has ranked among the top 25 NFL edge rushers every season since 2021. The 49ers were previously linked to him after Bosa’s injury, but acquiring him then would have required multiple first-round picks.
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With the four-time Pro Bowler now set to enter free agency, San Francisco could have a prime opportunity to add a game-changing weapon to their roster and return to the playoffs next season with championship aspirations.
