The future of Trey Hendrickson with the Cincinnati Bengals is uncertain as the player and team have yet to reach an agreement. With Hendrickson recently seen in Florida, away from training camp, speculation grows regarding his next move. As one of the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL’s leading pass rushers, the possibility of Hendrickson joining a new team in 2025 remains strong.
Although Hendrickson prefers to stay with the Bengals, his status as last season’s sack leader ensures multiple teams are eager to acquire him. The following five franchises stand out as the most likely trade destinations, each offering a unique opportunity to enhance their defensive unit with Hendrickson’s talents.
Green Bay Packers’ Need for Defensive End Star Power
The Green Bay Packers showed significant defensive improvement under coordinator Jeff Hafley, particularly against the run. In 2024, Green Bay allowed the seventh-fewest rushing yards and ranked third-best in yards per attempt on the ground, a statistic surpassed only by the elite Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos defenses.
Despite this, the Packers could benefit from a proven pass-rusher. They tied for eighth-most sacks last season, but only Rashan Gary recorded more than 5.0 sacks individually. Hendrickson, known for his ability to stop the run and pressure quarterbacks, would provide Green Bay with a key edge rusher and bolster both facets of their defense.
Detroit Lions’ Defensive Depth and Championship Aspirations
Remaining within the NFC North, the Detroit Lions had their Super Bowl hopes impacted by injuries to their defensive line in 2024. Despite offseason changes among their coaching staff, Detroit keeps a strong stance as one of the leading contenders for the 2025 title.
The Lions face an upcoming contract decision regarding star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, but acquiring Hendrickson could elevate their defense further. Not only would Hendrickson contribute significant sacks, but he would also reduce the attention opposing offenses pay to Hutchinson. This duo could be crucial in the NFC’s ongoing battle to contain Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles’ offense.
New York Jets’ Plans to Build an Elite Defense
The New York Jets enter this conversation with Aaron Glenn, formerly Detroit’s defensive coordinator, now serving as their head coach. Glenn aims to develop a dominant defense around standout players including Sauce Gardner, Quinnen Williams, and Will McDonald.
Last season, McDonald led New York with 10.5 sacks, followed by Williams with six. Adding Hendrickson opposite McDonald would be a substantial reinforcement to their pass rush—a factor critical to converting pressure into sacks. While Glenn’s Lions ranked fourth in quarterback pressure rate, they tied 23rd in sacks, highlighting the need for a more decisive pass-rusher in New York.
Las Vegas Raiders’ Opportunities Under New Coaching
The Las Vegas Raiders, under newly appointed head coach Pete Carroll, look to revitalize a defense struggling in key areas. Carroll, a defensive strategist with a storied history, may find pairing Hendrickson with Maxx Crosby—a four-time Pro Bowler—too advantageous to overlook.
In 2024, the Raiders were in the bottom third of the league for both quarterback pressure and sacks. They invested a first-round pick in edge rusher Tyree Wilson last year but have yet to see a strong return on that asset. With an offense stacked with talent, adding a high-impact defender like Hendrickson fits Carroll’s goal of immediate competitiveness.
Los Angeles Chargers’ Defensive Overhaul and Future Plans
The Chargers could emerge as a contender for Hendrickson, despite having the least salary cap space among these teams in 2025. Financial forecasts suggest they will gain more flexibility in the future, positioning them as a potential long-term destination.
Earlier in the year, Los Angeles released veteran Joey Bosa, creating room for a dependable replacement. Head coach Jim Harbaugh’s vision for an aggressive, downhill defense aligns well with Hendrickson’s strengths. In a competitive AFC West, securing the top sack leader from 2024 could tip the balance toward playoff success in January.
The unfolding situation surrounding Trey Hendrickson’s potential trade destinations not only holds consequences for his career but could reshape defensive dynamics across several NFL teams. Each prospective landing spot offers Hendrickson a chance to influence team performance fundamentally, increasing pressure on opponents and enhancing championship hopes. As negotiations continue, the coming months will be critical for the Bengals star and interested franchises alike.