San Francisco 49ers linked to sensational trade that could make them Super Bowl contenders

The 49ers are already sitting pretty at 4-1, but they've been linked to a trade which could make them even stronger.

San Francisco has overcome a bevvy injuries to the likes of Brock Purdy, George Kittle and Nick Bosa - with the latter player tearing his ACL in Week 3.

And the 49ers could look to replace Bosa in particular, as The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported they are assessing the trade market for pass-rushers.

Russini added that she expects the 49ers to inquire about Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who received a significant pay rise from Cincinnati in the offseason after a lengthy contract hold-in.

Hendrickson, who had a league-leading 17.5 sacks last season, is earning a reported $30million this year after getting a $14million raise.

Still, he is currently set to be an unrestricted free agent after this season, and the 49ers could look to take advantage of what may wind up as a lost season for the Bengals.

Joe Burrow will miss most, if not all, of the regular season with a turf toe injury that he suffered in Week 2 against the Jaguars.

Backup Jake Browning later struggled in relief of Burrow, before the team traded for 40-year-old Joe Flacco.

The now-former Browns passer brings experience and Super Bowl-winning pedigree to Cincinnati, though he had been struggling in Cleveland this season - with just two touchdowns to six interceptions.

San Francisco, meanwhile, is in good shape thus far even without Hendrickson.

Their only loss came to the Jaguars in Week 4, while they've held the Rams, Cardinals, Saints and Seahawks to 23 points or less thus far.

On Sunday, the 49ers will be looking to thwart a Falcons offense which scored 34 points in its last game against the Commanders.

The Bengals, meanwhile, will be aiming to end a three-game skid at the Packers.