Lions and 49ers Pursue Trey Hendrickson to Strengthen Pass Rush
The race for a stronger pass rush has intensified as the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers eye Cincinnati Bengals defensive standout Trey Hendrickson. Both teams are grappling with significant injuries to their edge rushers, prompting discussions about potential trades.
Lions’ Defensive Setback
The Lions recently faced a setback with the injury of Marcus Davenport, who is expected to be sidelined for at least four games. This leaves them relying heavily on Aidan Hutchinson and Al-Quadin Muhammad, their only healthy edge rushers on the 53-man roster. The loss of Davenport has highlighted the need for additional firepower on the defensive line, and the Lions are in urgent need of reinforcements to maintain their competitive edge.
49ers in Dire Need
Meanwhile, the 49ers find themselves in an even more precarious situation following Nick Bosa’s season-ending torn ACL, suffered in Week 3. The absence of their star defensive end has left a noticeable gap in San Francisco’s formidable defense. As both teams struggle to fill these critical roles, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox identifies them as potential suitors for Hendrickson, suggesting that a trade could be mutually beneficial.
Trade Potential for Hendrickson
Knox speculates that Hendrickson, an elite pass rusher, could command a conditional second-round pick in a trade. Given the Bengals’ recent blowout loss to the Minnesota Vikings, it seems increasingly clear that they are not equipped to contend for a playoff spot with Jake Browning at quarterback. This situation may encourage Cincinnati to consider trading Hendrickson, especially since he is likely to leave in free agency at the end of the season. A conditional second-round pick that could escalate to a first would certainly be appealing for the Bengals.
However, the steep price tag for a 30-year-old player on an expiring contract could deter interested teams. Hendrickson’s proven track record, with a remarkable 17.5 sacks in 2024 alone, underscores his value, yet it also complicates the discussion about his availability. With 79 career sacks to his name, Hendrickson stands as one of the most effective pass rushers in the league, making him a coveted asset.
Impact on Both Teams
For the Lions, acquiring Hendrickson could forge a dynamic duo with Hutchinson, significantly bolstering their Super Bowl aspirations. On the other hand, the 49ers would benefit immensely from Hendrickson’s experience and skills, as he could help fill the substantial void left by Bosa’s injury.
Despite the clear advantages of such a trade, moving Hendrickson this early in the season appears unlikely for the Bengals. Parting ways with their top pass rusher could signal a concession of their competitive ambitions, a move they may be reluctant to make at this juncture.
As the trade rumors swirl, both the Lions and 49ers remain on high alert, hoping to enhance their defensive line as the season progresses. With Hendrickson’s future uncertain, the coming weeks could be pivotal for both teams and the Bengals’ front office.
