As the NFL trade deadline approaches, the San Francisco 49ers are expected to be one of the most aggressive buyers on the market.
Sitting atop the NFC West but dealing with major injuries, most notably to Nick Bosa, San Francisco is seeking reinforcements to keep its Super Bowl hopes alive.
According to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, two premier pass rushers could be on their radar: Cincinnati Bengals star Trey Hendrickson and New York Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Trey Hendrickson
Knox reports that the 49ers are among the top potential suitors for Trey Hendrickson, one of the league’s most consistent sack artists.
Hendrickson remains the centerpiece of the Cincinnati Bengals defense but could be available if the team fails to stay in playoff contention while Joe Burrow recovers from injury.
The veteran edge rusher, who tallied 17.5 sacks last season, is in the final stretch of his contract and could fetch a conditional 2026 second-round pick, per Knox’s projection.
#Bengals EDGE Trey Hendrickson was the league’s highest-graded pass-rusher in Week 5 at 92.7
— Ryan Smith (@PFF_RyanSmith) October 7, 2025
Two sacks brings him to four for the season - he leads the NFL with 39 since the start of the 2023 season
📈📈📈 pic.twitter.com/7pP9NOF7EG
San Francisco’s defense has struggled to replicate its usual dominance without Bosa, and Hendrickson’s ability to generate pressure off the edge makes him an ideal fit.
Kayvon Thibodeaux
The 49ers are also linked to Kayvon Thibodeaux, the New York Giants’ 24-year-old pass rusher who could be dealt if the Giants opt to retool around quarterback Jaxson Dart.
With Brian Burns and rookie Abdul Carter emerging in New York’s defensive rotation, Knox suggests the Giants could move Thibodeaux for a 2026 second-round pick or a starting-caliber wide receiver.
Kayvon Thibodeaux is playing the best football of his NFL career pic.twitter.com/uHamIRydCE
— Marshall Green (@MarshallGreen_) October 1, 2025
Thibodeaux’s youth and upside make him a particularly enticing option for San Francisco, which is navigating cap space challenges after extending several core players.
Adding Thibodeaux would give the 49ers a long-term bookend opposite Bosa once he returns, while instantly boosting their pass rush for the playoff stretch.
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