Steelers Could See AFC North Rival Make Big Trade That Is Beyond Helpful For Broderick Jones

The Pittsburgh Steelers currently stand alone at the top of the AFC North. Pittsburgh is currently 3-1 with two major matchups coming up against the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals. The Steelers will have an excellent opportunity to take an emphatic lead in the race for the division. The Browns and Bengals have struggled immensely on the offensive side of the ball to begin the year and Pittsburgh will look to take full advantage of the next two weeks on the schedule.

The Bengals have had a nightmare month to begin the 2025 season. Superstar quarterback Joe Burrow is sidelined for an extended period of time with an injury, and the team has struggled on both sides of the ball overall. 

NFL insider Dianna Russini recently revealed that San Francisco 49ers General Manager John Lynch is exploring trade options on the pass rusher market prior to the deadline, with Russini reporting that the team could make a move that the Steelers' offensive line would be absolutely ecstatic about. Russini thinks the 49ers will check in with the Bengals on superstar pass rusher Trey Hendrickson.

A trade involving Hendrickson being shipped out of the AFC North would be extremely helpful to Broderick Jones and the rest of the Steelers' offensive line. Jones is a promising tackle, but has struggled to begin the 2025 season, and if Hendrickson were to be traded prior to the Steelers' matchup(s) with the Bengals, then the offensive line would have a major advantage throughout the game. 

Jones and the offensive line struggled to begin the season but have slowly gotten better over time and a move involving Hendrickson would be excellent news for the entire AFC North as a whole.

The Steelers' offensive line had one of their best performances of the year against the Minnesota Vikings in Ireland. Troy Fautanu and Mason McCormick played at an elite level for the majority of the matchup and the unit will need to continue protecting their 41-year-old quarterback at all costs. Pittsburgh's offensive line would have a much easier matchup in Week 7 if Hendrickson were to be traded, as fans are encouraged to keep a close eye on the superstar pass rusher moving forward.

Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Could Benefit From A Bengals Trade Involving Hendrickson

Aaron Rodgers would be a top beneficiary in the AFC North should Hendrickson end up in San Francisco. Rodgers is currently in his 21st NFL season and the legendary veteran would more than likely feel a lot less pressure in Week 7 with Hendrickson's presence on the defensive line no longer there. 

The Steelers' offensive line will need to keep Rodgers upright as much as possible moving forward and limiting the amount of hits the signal-caller takes will be nothing short of crucial.

Rodgers could have much more time to work with in Week 7 should Hendrickson be traded. The veteran quarterback has proven to succeed at a much higher level with additional time in the pocket, and with Hendrickson no longer on the Bengals' defensive line the quarterback could be elite. Rodgers and the Steelers' offensive line will be faced with two crucial matchups over the next two weeks, but a trade involving Hendrickson would be a sigh of relief for the offensive unit as a whole.

A trade involving Hendrickson to San Francisco could emerge as a legitimate possibility. Hendrickson is an elite pass rusher who has shined during his time in Cincinnati, but the Bengals could opt to trade the superstar prior to the deadline. Pittsburgh will face the Cleveland Browns on Sunday where Rodgers and the offensive line will look to continue playing at a high level.

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