With the trade deadline rapidly approaching in November, the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers should be on the lookout for available edge rushers.
The Cowboys' decision to trade Micah Parsons has had a negative impact on Dallas' defense, which ranks 29th in points allowed and has just 10 sacks through five games.
In San Francisco, the 49ers have to navigate the rest of the 2025 campaign without the services of Nick Bosa, whose torn ACL will sideline him for the remainder of the season.
One edge rusher who could hit the trade block is Cincinnati Bengals star defender Trey Hendrickson. Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox thinks Dallas and San Fran could be trade suitors for Hendrickson if he becomes available.
The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported in August that the Bengals wanted a 2026 first-round pick and a young defensive player in return for Hendrickson.
They probably can't expect that return, but they would have to consider a strong offer for the impending 2026 free agent, especially if they're below .500 at the deadline.
Potential Suitors: Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers
Hendrickson and the Bengals had a public contract dispute during the offseason and the former never got what he wanted out of the latter and instead settled for an increase in pay for 2025, which sets him up to hit free agency in 2026.
The Bengals are still in the hunt for a playoff spot, but their hopes of making the postseason took a massive hit with the injury to Joe Burrow, who is likely to be sidelined until mid-December, at the earliest.
After striking out with Jake Browning over the last three games, the team acquired Joe Flacco in a trade with the Cleveland Browns in the hopes he can provide better play and weather the storm until Burrow gets back.
However, Flacco has not been good in 2025 and if things continue to go south in Cincinnati, the Bengals could sell at the deadline and try to get something for Hendrickson before he potentially walks next year.
Hendrickson is one of the few players in the NFL who could fill Bosa's shoes. The four-time Pro Bowler's 34 sacks between 2023 and 2024 were more than any other edge rusher in the league, and he's off to a strong start in 2025 with 21 pressures and four sacks.
Hendrickson would also be capable of replacing the sack production Parsons took with him to Green Bay and Dallas could keep him around for the long haul with a contract extension given the extra money they have lying around now that Parsons won't be taking up a huge chunk of the team's salary cap.
Sitting at 4-1, the Niners are far more likely to make a move for Hendrickson, but the Cowboys could also be in play if they continue to show they can contend for a playoff spot.
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