The Cincinnati Bengals just got a not-so-subtle heads-up about Trey Hendrickson’s future. Rumors are flying that the San Francisco 49ers are eyeing him hard. After Nick Bosa went down with a season-ending torn ACL, San Francisco’s pass rush has produced only six sacks this season, with two from Bosa before his injury.

According to Dianna Russini, NFL insider for The Athletic, the Niners are “exploring trade options on the pass rusher market ahead of the trade deadline.” And the 49ers’ GM John Lynch didn’t exactly hide his intentions. On KNBR, Lynch admitted he’s deep in talks about landing a pass rusher.

“I’m having a lot of conversations, a lot of good and productive ones,” Lynch said. 

He knows quality pass rushers don’t grow on trees. “It is a premium position, so teams don’t like just letting those guys out the door when they’re good football players. So you have to identify the right guy that, number one, is going to help us.”

In plain terms, the Bengals need to prepare for heavy inquiries. San Francisco wants the right guy who “is going to help” them. Hendrickson fits that bill, making the rumored interest look like just part of the conversation.

Lynch also expressed pride in his current squad’s effort. “Right now, I’m real proud of the effort our guys are playing with. And if we find a way to make our football team better and it aligns, then we will not be shy on pulling the trigger.”

Hendrickson would be exactly the kind of upgrade San Francisco wants. The guy has racked up 17.5 sacks in both of the last two seasons. And this year he’s already at four. Bringing him in would instantly boost the 49ers’ pass rush and defensive line.

This comes on the heels of another trade that has stirred controversy in Cincinnati: the acquisition of quarterback Joe Flacco.

Flacco trade adds pressure on Taylor

On October 7, Zac Taylor welcomed Flacco to the Bengals, quickly naming him the starting quarterback just days after the team swapped a 2026 fifth-round pick for Flacco and a 2026 sixth-round pick with the Cleveland Browns. 

Flacco donned his No. 16 jersey and began preparations for the upcoming game against the Green Bay Packers. Interestingly, this will be Flacco’s second start against the Packers in just four weeks, having started as Cleveland’s QB in Week 3 when the Browns edged Green Bay 13-10.

Taylor said, “He’s going to take all the reps and get ready to go.” He also revealed that the trade wasn’t his call but was initiated by the Director of Player Personnel, Duke Tobin, who brought up Flacco as a target.

This trade hasn’t been warmly received by fans and analysts, adding pressure to the Bengals’ roster decisions. With Hendrickson’s potential departure and Flacco’s arrival causing waves, Zac Taylor is clearly navigating a challenging period.