As the team is struggling to figure out a new contract, star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson could find a trade partner in the next coming days. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, he believes Hendrickson will sit out for the entire 2025 season if the Bengals decide to keep him but doesn’t grant him a new deal that he wants. After extending wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase, it’s becoming difficult for the Bengals to figure out a deal that works for Hendrickson as they’re talking “quietly” about a new deal. However, the team did grant Hendrickson a trade to find a new home earlier this month but the pass rusher has been struggling to find a team to meet his asking price.
Originally selected in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the former Florida Atlantic product came up in several trade rumors after appearing on the Pat McAfee Show to talk about his future in Cincinnati. Hendrickson wasn’t happy and there isn’t a guarantee that those feelings probably haven’t gone away about the organization. One of the best pass rushers in the league earned himself a new deal above $30 million but it doesn’t mean the Bengals will give him that type of deal. If that’s the case, the team should probably avoid any distractions and trade him to these five teams if desperation becomes a thing.
Star Pass Rusher Trey Hendrickson Could Find a Trade Partner Soon
Possible Next Teams
New Orleans Saints
While general manager Mickey Loomis still refuses to rebuild since 2020, it’s entirely possible the team could trade for Trey Hendrickson. The team might not have the capable resources to facilitate a trade but after signing Justin Reid, the Saints may figure out a way. Cameron Jordan took a pay cut and the Saints will soon need a replacement so Hendrickson taking over his spot could be a worthy investment to bolster this team’s defense.
Carolina Panthers
Last offseason, it’s been all about the offense and rebuilding the wide receiver room for quarterback Bryce Young. The Panthers are finally making moves to improve its defense, signing Tershawn Wharton as its most notable free agent signing. This should put Derrick Brown’s return to the roster in good timing while he’s still recovering from a season-ending injury last year. With the addition of Hendrickson, the Panthers could use his explosiveness to bolster the opposite end of Brown which would give the team a much-needed boost.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders made two offensive trades this free agency, acquiring Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil. This means they could trade for a defensive piece since earlier this offseason, rumors were floating they would aggressively add new defensive lineman talent. It hasn’t happened that way despite signing Javon Kinlaw while losing their best sack pass rusher Dante Fowler Jr. back to the Cowboys. Hendrickson could change the landscape of this defense after having their struggles last year to become a potential Ryan Kerrigan 2.0.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers need a long-term answer at defense after releasing pass rusher Joey Bosa. Meanwhile, Khalil Mack is coming back but he isn’t the same player he once was and could retire after this upcoming season. The Bengals probably won’t facilitate a trade to the Chargers but if they’re desperate, they could at the right price.
Kansas City Chiefs
The same can be said about the Kansas City Chiefs. Hendrickson landing with this team would be a nightmare but the Chiefs have yet to retain Charles Omenihu. George Karlaftis has been struggling to produce huge sack numbers while Chris Jones has been carrying much of the workload on his back. If Hendrickson lands with the Chiefs, it would be a huge relief for Jones.
The post ESPN: “It’s Entirely Possible He Could Sit Out the Entire Year” – Star Pass Rusher Could Find a Trade Partner Soon appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.