Trey Hendrickson Reportedly Seen as 'Ideal Fit' by 49ers Ahead of NFL Trade Deadline

The San Francisco 49ers reportedly have interest in a trade for All-Pro pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson should the Cincinnati Bengals make him available.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Niners view Hendrickson as an "ideal fit" for their defensive system.

However, Fowler added that the Bengals currently have "no plans" to trade Hendrickson and remain "all in" on trying to win this season despite being 2-4 and the fact that star quarterback Joe Burrow is on injured reserve with a toe injury.

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ESPN's Dan Graziano echoed Fowler's report, noting that he has also heard the Bengals aren't looking to move on from Hendrickson.

Of course, things could conceivably change in the coming weeks if the Bengals continue to struggle and see their record suffer even more.

Hendrickson, 30, is in the midst of the final year of his contract. He spent the past two offseasons trying to land an extension, but all the Bengals were willing to give was a reworked deal that is paying him $29 million this season.

The Bengals stand to potentially lose Hendrickson for nothing in free agency, which gives them incentive to move him by the Nov. 4 trade deadline if a playoff berth is looking unlikely at that point.

San Francisco makes perfect sense as a landing spot for the four-time Pro Bowler and one-time First Team All-Pro since the 49ers lost superstar pass-rusher Nick Bosa for the season due to a torn ACL.

Bryce Huff has done well with a team-high three sacks, but he is more of a specialist than an every-down player, and the 49ers could undoubtedly use a pass-rushing threat on the other side.

Hendrickson had back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons in 2023 and 2024, and he finished second in NFL Defensive Player of the Year voting last season.

He had 13.5 sacks or more in four of five seasons entering 2025, and he is trending toward another big year with four sacks through six games.

Despite dealing with injuries to Bosa and several other key players, the 49ers have managed to hang in there with a 4-2 record.

The Niners are getting healthier with players such as tight end George Kittle and quarterback Brock Purdy trending toward a return, and adding Hendrickson to the mix would likely energize the team even more.

While nothing appears to be happening on that front presently, it merits watching as the deadline draws closer and the Bengals' place in the standings becomes clearer.