As the NFL offseason continues into July, the prospect of Trey Hendrickson joining the Seattle Seahawks reignites discussions about their defensive future. With the Hall of Fame Game scheduled for July 31st between the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Chargers, real football action is approaching, but key questions remain, including whether the Seahawks could secure Hendrickson via trade to strengthen their defense in 2025.

Cincinnati Bengals’ edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, known for his high sack totals and ongoing contract disputes, has been a prominent figure in trade rumors. If the Bengals decide to part ways with him rather than meet his contract demands, Seattle emerges as a plausible destination to bolster their pass rush and accelerate their pursuit of a championship.

Reasons Seattle Could Be Interested in Adding Hendrickson

John Schneider and Mike Macdonald have strong incentives to pursue Hendrickson given his proven production and physical presence. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 270 pounds, Hendrickson has consistently ranked among the NFL’s elite defensive ends over the past five seasons.

Throughout his career, Hendrickson averaged impressive sack numbers, including 17.5 sacks in both 2023 and 2024. He played a key role in guiding Cincinnati to the Super Bowl and came within seconds of reaching the 2022 AFC Championship game. Despite Bengals’ injuries derailing their team, Hendrickson elevated his game to a career-best performance last season, finishing runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year with 17.5 sacks, 36 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, and six passes deflected.

If the Seahawks manage to acquire Hendrickson, they would secure a top-tier pass rusher who ranks among the quiet blue-chip talents in the NFL, excluding his contract drama. Schneider has a track record of making significant trades even when the team‘s contention window is debated, evidenced by past moves involving players like Percy Harvin, Jimmy Graham, Duane Brown, and Jamal Adams.

For defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, Hendrickson could be the transformative piece needed to position Seattle’s defense as one of the league’s top five units. While run defense is not Hendrickson’s strength, teammates Uchenna Nwosu and DeMarcus Lawrence are capable run defenders, creating a balanced front. The combination of Hendrickson with Leonard Williams, Boye Mafe, and Derick Hall would form a formidable pass-rushing group.

This defensive line would complement one of the NFL’s strongest secondaries, dramatically raising Seattle’s competitive ceiling. Should the team’s offense maintain stability behind this upgraded defense, the energized atmosphere at Lumen Field could return, and with a weakened NFC West division, a division championship and multiple home playoff games appear attainable. In previous seasons, elite defensive units have propelled teams deep into the postseason, and Macdonald’s defense could similarly unsettle every NFC rival.

Challenges and Concerns Surrounding the Trade for Hendrickson

A major obstacle lies in Cincinnati’s approach, as the Bengals are known for their conservative front office and financial decisions. Without the franchise-changing success of Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, the Bengals might still be struggling under the Marvin Lewis regime. Their reluctance to trade Hendrickson or their high asking price could complicate negotiations.

The Bengals may prefer holding out Hendrickson rather than trading him for less than a first-round pick, though with Hendrickson entering the final year of his contract, the risk exists that he might depart in free agency. Whether Cincinnati values that risk remains unclear.

Another important factor is how well Hendrickson fits Seattle’s timeline. While his addition would likely push the team into playoff contention, questions remain about their ability to compete with strong contenders like the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles with Hendrickson in the lineup. Both sides would need to agree on a contract extension, especially considering Hendrickson would be 34 by the end of his deal, raising concerns about long-term financial commitments and player effectiveness.

Additionally, Seattle faces several upcoming second contract negotiations, and managing salary cap space is critical when deciding whether to allocate over $20 million annually to a 31-year-old player.

What a Hendrickson Trade Could Mean for Seattle’s Future

The Seahawks have not won the NFC West in five seasons nor hosted a home playoff game with fans in nearly a decade. The franchise is currently in a period of transition with promising assets and personnel in place, but a dynamic addition like Trey Hendrickson could provide the necessary spark.

To secure Hendrickson, a reasonable offer might include a third and fifth-round pick, with readiness to offer a second-round pick if an extension agreement is reached. Trades involving key players such as Boye Mafe going to Cincinnati reportedly happened in mock scenarios, but maintaining Mafe alongside Hendrickson to strengthen and rotate the pass rush remains preferable.

If salary cap adjustments are required, Uchenna Nwosu could be considered as a potential casualty, freeing resources to accommodate Hendrickson’s contract demands.

Ultimately, adding Trey Hendrickson would define the Seahawks’ defensive identity, injecting a genuine blue-chip talent into the roster. This could shift the goal for 2025 from merely competing to winning the NFC West division, setting the stage for playoff success.

Verdict: Buy