The San Francisco 49ers are looking to improve in the best way possible after this season, and they're especially in need of consistency and healthy players.
Plus, the defense is in need of more veteran presence as the group got younger.
One of the biggest ways they can do this is by making a splash in free agency. Especially for the biggest name likely about to hit the market: defensive end Trey Hendrickson
The saga involving Hendrickson and the Cincinnati Bengals has been a rocky one, to say the least. He was passed over on a contract extension for the last few offseasons, and because of it, it's made his future with the Bengals a little unclear, given their willingness to invest so much more into the offense as opposed to the defense. Quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins all have contract extensions to their names.
But not Hendrickson, who recorded 17.5 sacks in each of the last two seasons.
Although this season has been a bit of a drop in production for Hendrickson (four sacks so far), he's still one of the best edge rushers in the league. He also has yet to miss more than three games in a season since his second year as a pro.
Trey Hendrickson would be a dream 49ers free-agent pickup
If the four-time Pro Bowler were to be in coordinator Robert Saleh's system and stay healthy, then the 49ers wouldn't have to worry as much about their lack of experience and constant injury bug. Adding Hendrickson, too, would help out a lot with their two best defensive players in Nick Bosa and Fred Warner as they return from serious injuries.
And Hendrickson would be instrumental in giving a lot more tutelage and mentorship to young guys like Mykel Williams and Alfred Collins on the defensive line.
It's not as if Hendrickson to San Francisco is a foreign concept either.
The only issue will obviously be the price tag associated with getting Hendrickson. He wouldn't come cheap, and the Niners already made efforts to get younger and cheaper last offseason, meaning signing him would run counter to that approach.
But with some smart trades and letting some players walk in free agency, the 49ers front office should get something cooking.