Sun Oct 12 20:50:00 UTC 2025: ## 49ers Eye Bengals’ Hendrickson to Bolster Pass Rush Amid Injury Woes
**San Francisco, CA** – Despite a rash of injuries plaguing their roster, the San Francisco 49ers are defying expectations, holding a commanding 4-1 record and first place in their division. However, the team is not resting on its laurels. Sources indicate the 49ers are aggressively pursuing defensive reinforcements, specifically targeting an All-Pro caliber pass rusher to fill the void left by the season-ending ACL injury to star defensive end Nick Bosa.
According to NFL insider Dianna Russini, the 49ers are “canvassing the pass rusher market” and are expected to contact the Cincinnati Bengals regarding Trey Hendrickson. The 29-year-old Hendrickson, who previously requested a trade from Cincinnati after a contract dispute, ultimately received a one-year, $30 million deal extending through 2026.
Hendrickson has proven himself a dominant force, racking up 17.5 sacks in both 2022 and 2023 and already tallying four sacks in the first five games of this season. While the Bengals initially resisted trading their star player, their current struggles may force them to reconsider. With quarterback Joe Burrow potentially sidelined for an extended period and veteran Joe Flacco struggling to fill the void, the Bengals’ season hangs in the balance.
Should Cincinnati deem the season a lost cause by the trade deadline, the 49ers could be in a prime position to acquire Hendrickson. San Francisco, currently allowing a respectable 207.6 passing yards and 108.0 rushing yards per game, sees Hendrickson as the potential game-changer to elevate their defense to an elite level.
“At 4-1, San Francisco is a few pieces away from being a true contender,” the original report states. The return of injured offensive players like George Kittle, Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, and Brandon Aiyuk promises to further strengthen the team. Landing a player of Hendrickson’s caliber could solidify the 49ers as legitimate Super Bowl favorites.
This potential move follows rumors of other NFL teams making potential trade decisions with the Eagles, particularly around wide receiver AJ Brown. While the 49ers are focused on defensive help, the landscape of the league is shifting rapidly as teams assess their strengths and weaknesses.
The NFL trade deadline is approaching, and the coming weeks will be crucial for the 49ers as they attempt to bolster their roster and make a serious push for a championship.
First Piper 