Trey Hendrickson trade rumors are picking up

With the Cincinnati Bengals’ season quickly going south, trade rumors surrounding star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson are heating up.

The Bengals may be open to trading Hendrickson amid a 2-3 start, as the 30-year-old will become a free agent at the end of the season. The San Francisco 49ers are looking into trading for a pass rusher and could make a run at Henderson, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic.

The 49ers are a logical landing spot for Hendrickson if he is traded. They have lost Nick Bosa for the season due to injury, but they are still 4-1 and leading the NFC West. Adding Hendrickson would be one way for a legitimate contender to bolster a need.

Hendrickson has consistently been one of the league’s best pass rushers for several seasons. He has 17.5 sacks in each of the last two seasons, and has four in five games so far in 2025. Despite his contributions, the long-term injury to QB Joe Burrow has sent the Bengals’ season careening off the rails, and they may have to consider making moves to get something for the likes of Hendrickson.

Hendrickson is on a one-year deal that will pay him $30 million this season, but will allow him to become a free agent in March. The two sides engaged in very difficult contract negotiations during the offseason that left some lingering bad feelings, which could further grease the wheels for a trade.