49ers Consider Hendrickson Trade After Bosa’s Season-Ending Injury
In the wake of Nick Bosa’s devastating ACL tear, the San Francisco 49ers and their passionate fan base find themselves at a crossroads. The loss of their star defensive end has created not just a void in their lineup, but also stirred speculation about potential trade targets who might help salvage their Super Bowl aspirations. Among the names circulating, Cincinnati Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson has emerged as perhaps the most intriguing possibility—a proven pass rusher who could help the undefeated 49ers maintain their championship trajectory despite losing one of the NFL’s premier defensive talents.
Tim Kawakami of The San Francisco Standard recently reported that the 49ers organization has been “long intrigued” by Hendrickson, who brings an impressive resume to the table. The four-time Pro Bowler led the NFL with 17.5 sacks last season while racking up 36 quarterback hits, 19 tackles for loss, six passes defended, and two forced fumbles. His production speaks for itself, and his ability to disrupt opposing offenses could help compensate for Bosa’s absence. The timing might also be favorable for a potential deal, as Hendrickson requested a trade earlier this offseason due to contract disputes, and the Bengals may be more willing to move him now that their quarterback Joe Burrow faces a long absence with a toe injury, potentially derailing their season.
While other defensive stars like Maxx Crosby, Myles Garrett, and Kayvon Thibodeaux have been mentioned as theoretical trade targets, Hendrickson appears to be the most realistic and attractive option. At 30 years old and in the final year of his contract (albeit with a recently bumped salary of $30 million for 2025), the Bengals might prefer to get draft capital for him now rather than potentially losing him for nothing in free agency. For the 49ers, who have shown a willingness to make bold trades in recent seasons, acquiring Hendrickson would represent another aggressive move aimed at maximizing their championship window—though they did shed significant salary during the offseason and might be hesitant to take on more financial commitments.
Replacing Bosa’s contributions won’t be simple. Before his injury, the 27-year-old had already recorded two sacks, four tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles this season. His 2022 Defensive Player of the Year campaign, which featured a league-leading 18.5 sacks, demonstrated his game-changing abilities. The tantalizing possibility of eventually pairing Hendrickson with a healthy Bosa in 2025 might factor into San Francisco’s decision-making process. Such a combination would give the 49ers one of the most formidable pass-rushing duos in the NFL, potentially extending their championship window for several more seasons.
Despite the appeal of making a splash trade, the 49ers might also consider standing pat with their current roster. Their 3-0 start demonstrates the strength of their team even without reinforcements, and several rookies and young defenders have shown promise in the early going. The coming weeks will provide crucial tests for this approach—after hosting Jacksonville this Sunday, San Francisco will face the Rams and Buccaneers in consecutive weeks. These matchups should reveal whether the current defensive personnel can maintain the team’s high standards or if external help is indeed necessary. With the NFL trade deadline set for November 4, the 49ers have time to evaluate their internal options before making any dramatic moves.
Ultimately, the Hendrickson situation represents the classic NFL deadline dilemma: how much future capital should a contender sacrifice for immediate help? For the 49ers, winners of three straight NFC Championship appearances but still seeking their first Super Bowl victory of the Kyle Shanahan era, the calculation is particularly complex. Bosa’s injury undoubtedly weakens their defense, but their talented roster remains capable of competing at the highest level. Whether they pursue Hendrickson or another pass rusher, stand pat with their current group, or explore a different solution altogether, the coming weeks will reveal much about the organization’s confidence in their championship aspirations and their willingness to make bold moves to achieve them.
