Trey Hendrickson trade watch: Bengals open to offers as they navigate a shifting defensive edge market
The Cincinnati Bengals are still weighing their long-term pass rush plan after locking up Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to extensions, while Trey Hendrickson remains unsigned. Hendrickson pushed for a new deal earlier in the offseason, then skipped portions of the team’s offseason program before eventually reporting. With Cincinnati unwilling to meet his price, the team is now reportedly willing to listen to trade offers as it moves toward the 2025 season, according to NFL Media.
Hendricks on the trade block comes after a sequence of events that included a trade request and a staggered path back to the field. The Bengals’ stance on his contract status has shifted, and the door appears open to moving on if a suitable deal is not reached. Remaining on the roster would come with a hefty cap hit, as Hendrickson is owed more than $18 million in 2025.
Possible landing spots under consideration
Panthers: After a tough 2024 season for their pass rush, Carolina ranked last in pressure rate and time to pressure. A stabilizing, veteran presence like Hendrickson could give Ejiro Evero’s defense a significant boost and help stabilize the edge.
Seahawks: Seattle has proven capable of producing pressure with a mix of players, but adding a proven veteran at Hendrickson’s level could elevate their unit and multiply the impact of their current pass-rush makers.
Colts: Indianapolis invested on the defensive side and could benefit from a veteran captain to anchor the edge. New defensive leadership and scheme fit could help maximize Hendrickson’s production, complementing players like Laiatu Latu and Kwity Paye.
Packers: Green Bay still has cap space and a need for a proven edge presence to pair with Rashan Gary and rising talents like Lukas Van Ness. If the Packers want to accelerate their pass rush, Hendrickson could be a ready-made upgrade.
Lions: Detroit has significant 2025 cap space and a clear appetite to bolster the front seven. A veteran edge rusher could help retool a defense still seeking consistency and pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
What this means for the Bengals
– Cap and roster decisions: With Chase and Higgins secured, Cincinnati faces the ongoing question of how best to allocate resources on defense. Trading Hendrickson could free up substantial cap room and facilitate more favorable long-term planning.
– Market dynamics: At 30 years old and with a well-documented price tag, Hendrickson will draw interest from teams prioritizing immediate pass rush impact. Any trade would likely hinge on the return the Bengals can secure and the using of cap relief in 2025 and beyond.
– Team strategy: If Cincinnati moves Hendrickson, expect a pivot toward younger edge players or a heavier allocation of resources to other positions on defense. If the club elects to keep him, it would signal a continued emphasis on a veteran-led, high-pressure approach.
Takeaways
– The trade market for Hendrickson is active, with several potential fits that could benefit from an established sack presence.
– For Cincinnati, the decision hinges on balancing immediate on-field impact with long-term cap health and youth development.
– For Hendrickson, a fresh start with a team in need of a proven edge could unlock continued productivity at a premium position.
Summary
As the offseason unfolds, Hendrickson sits at the center of the Bengals’ evolving edge strategy. With extensions for Chase and Higgins in the rearview, Cincinnati is weighing whether to maximize this moment by moving Hendrickson or to keep him in the fold as a cornerstone of the defense. The coming weeks should illuminate which path the franchise chooses and which destination proves most advantageous for the veteran pass rusher.
Positive note
The league’s demand for a disruptive edge suggests Hendrickson will land somewhere that values his production and leadership. For fans, the possibility of a new, competitive chapter for both Hendrickson and his next team offers reasons for optimism about the evolving landscape of 2025 NFL defenses.