The Cincinnati Bengals are facing a critical moment as contract negotiations with Trey Hendrickson have stalled, prompting the team to consider trading the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL’s current sack leader. With the Bears aiming to bolster their defense and capitalize on a promising season, the Trey Hendrickson Bears trade possibilities are now in the spotlight as the team explores ways to strengthen its roster before the season progresses.

Following ongoing contract disputes this offseason, the Bengals announced they are open to trading Hendrickson, who reported to training camp but continues to hold out from practice. Interest from multiple teams is expected, with the Chicago Bears emerging as a potential destination for the standout pass rusher amid their efforts to build a contender around a newly stabilized coaching and quarterback situation.

Trade Options Involving Key Chicago Bears Players

The Bears face a difficult salary cap scenario as they attempt to integrate Hendrickson while managing existing contracts and roster dynamics. Several trade proposals have surfaced as potential pathways to secure Hendrickson’s services, involving notable Bears players and draft picks.

Trading Montez Sweat Plus a Future Draft Pick

One of the most straightforward trade concepts suggests including defensive end Montez Sweat and a 2026 fifth-round draft pick to the Bengals. Sweat’s current contract, a four-year, $98 million deal, burdens the Bears’ salary cap, and moving him could help free space to accommodate Hendrickson’s likely higher salary demands.

However, while Hendrickson would improve Chicago’s pass rush significantly, trading away Sweat would leave the Bears without a dependable second pass rusher, limiting depth on the defensive front.

Proposing Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and a Fourth-Round Pick

A different route under discussion involves sending linebacker Tremaine Edmunds alongside a 2026 fourth-round pick. This would maintain Montez Sweat on the Bears’ defensive line, ensuring a strong pass rush duo in Hendrickson and Sweat.

Though Edmunds had a somewhat underwhelming previous season, Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen sees untapped potential in the linebacker, believing he can unlock a higher level of performance. Trading Edmunds would, however, weaken Chicago’s linebacker unit, an important consideration for the defense’s overall balance.

Offering a High 2026 Second-Round Draft Pick

If the Bears prefer to keep their current roster intact, they might opt to exchange a high-value draft pick instead of a player. NFL analyst Jonathan Jones suggested that a trade involving Hendrickson would probably require compensation equivalent to a late second-round or early third-round pick, especially given the sizable contract accompanying the player.

Chicago’s second-round pick in 2026 could serve as the focal point of a trade, likely falling toward the latter half of that round, which may make the deal more palatable for the Bears. Still, salary cap constraints pose a significant challenge since Chicago currently has only about $13 million in cap space. GM Ryan Poles faces the task of creatively restructuring contracts or making additional moves to accommodate Hendrickson’s contract.

The Stakes and Next Steps in the Hendrickson Trade Talks

Bringing Hendrickson to Chicago would mark a major upgrade to the Bears’ pass rush and could be a pivotal component in a Super Bowl push if the front office can overcome salary cap hurdles. The Bears are aware that timing is critical, as Hendrickson’s holdout limits his participation in training camp, and the Bengals’ willingness to listen to offers suggests the window for a deal may narrow quickly.

While a trade would require sacrifices, whether in players or draft capital, acquiring a player of Hendrickson’s caliber aligns with Chicago’s objective to build a competitive and balanced defense under new leadership. The negotiations and accompanying moves over the coming weeks will determine whether the Bears can navigate this complex trade scenario and enhance their chances at contention.

“With contract talks at an impasse, the #Bengals are listening to trade offers for perennial Pro Bowler Trey Hendrickson, per me & @TomPelissero. It’s unclear if the NFL sack leader will be playing elsewhere in 2025, and a trade will be a real challenge. But time will tell.” — Ian Rapoport, NFL Insider