49ers Offer Star Cornerback in Trade Proposal for Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson

Santa Clara, CA – The San Francisco 49ers appear to be making an aggressive push to bolster their defensive front, reportedly offering one of their starting cornerbacks in a proposed deal for Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson.

According to league sources, San Francisco’s front office has discussed a package centered around a key member of its secondary in exchange for Hendrickson, who remains one of the NFL’s most productive edge rushers. The move comes as the 49ers continue to search for consistent pressure opposite Nick Bosa after multiple injuries and rotation issues have weakened the defensive line.

That cornerback is Deommodore Lenoir, who has emerged as a cornerstone of San Francisco’s secondary over the past two seasons. Lenoir’s versatility — being able to play both outside and in the slot — has made him a valuable asset, but it’s also what makes him a legitimate trade chip in a deal for a premier pass rusher.

Hendrickson, meanwhile, has quietly put together another elite campaign in Cincinnati, recording double-digit sacks in three straight seasons. His relentless motor and ability to collapse the pocket have made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks — and the idea of pairing him with Nick Bosa would give the 49ers arguably the most dangerous pass-rushing duo in football.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the team’s trade mindset when asked about potential roster moves:

“We’re always going to explore options that make us better up front,” Shanahan said. “Pass rush wins games in this league. When you see a player that can change the outcome of a snap, you have to look at every possibility — even if it means giving up someone you value.”

Sources indicate that Cincinnati is intrigued by Lenoir’s upside and positional flexibility, especially after their secondary struggled to find consistency late last season. Discussions reportedly include a conditional 5th-round pick being added by the Bengals to balance compensation.

While no deal has been finalized, both sides are said to have mutual interest. The potential trade underscores the 49ers’ all-in mentality as they aim to reload their defensive front for another deep playoff run.

If completed, the move would mark one of the boldest in-season transactions of the year — a true win-now statement from a franchise determined to chase a Lombardi Trophy.