With the 2025 NFL season approaching rapidly, the future of star pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson remains uncertain. According to NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, the Cincinnati Bengals are open to trade discussions for Hendrickson, though they expect any deal to be costly.
Rapoport emphasized that the Bengals will demand a significant return, potentially including a young player and future draft picks, as the team aims to compete immediately without compromising its short-term potential.
“Will be expensive, likely with a young player and a future pick if possible,”
he noted. —Ian Rapoport, NFL Insider
Trade Interest from Multiple Teams Surfaces Amid Contract Uncertainty
Hendrickson, who led the league with 17.5 sacks last season and earned Pro Bowl honors four years in a row, has attracted attention from several teams. NFL insider Jordan Schultz highlighted the Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, and Cleveland Browns as notable suitors, although other destinations may fit Hendrickson’s fit better.
Given that the Bengals might hesitate to strengthen AFC rivals directly, other teams outside the immediate AFC interest could emerge as stronger contenders for acquiring the pass-rusher.
Potential Landing Spots Beyond AFC Contenders
Among the teams under consideration beyond the Panthers, Colts, and Browns are the Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers, and Chicago Bears—franchises with clear needs on defense and aspirations to improve their pass rush.
The Eagles are in a transitional phase, having seen key veterans like Brandon Graham retire and Josh Sweat and Milton Williams depart. Despite retaining promising young players like Nolan Smith and Jalen Carter, Philadelphia could benefit significantly from Hendrickson’s proven ability to pressure quarterbacks as it chases back-to-back Super Bowl titles.
Green Bay Packers Eye Defensive Reinforcements Ahead of New Season
The Packers face defensive challenges, particularly on their pass rush. Jeffri Chadiha of NFL.com described strengthening their defensive front as Green Bay’s biggest hurdle going into the season. After Luka Van Ness, a 2023 first-round pick, failed to meet expectations with just seven sacks over two years, the addition of Hendrickson could provide a much-needed boost against strong division rivals like the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings.
While there has been speculation about the Packers pursuing Micah Parsons, the Dallas Cowboys are unlikely to trade him within the NFC. In contrast, the Bengals may prefer dealing with Green Bay, an AFC rival, to avoid strengthening direct competitors.
Chicago Bears Could Build a Stronger Defense With Hendrickson
The Chicago Bears, under new head coach Ben Johnson, appear eager to improve their pass rush after a disappointing season in which no player recorded more than 5.5 sacks. Apart from Montez Sweat, the team lacks impact rushers capable of pressuring opposing quarterbacks effectively.
A Hendrickson acquisition would greatly enhance Chicago’s defensive potential, particularly if paired with Sweat, providing the Bears a stronger defensive front as they try to become more competitive. This defensive upgrade could be critical to allowing rookie quarterback Caleb Williams to reach his potential behind a reinforced offense.
Significance and Next Steps in Hendrickson’s Trade Situation
The Bengals’ willingness to trade Hendrickson signals their complex balancing act between capitalizing on his high value and maintaining a competitive roster. With the regular season set to start soon, any trade will likely happen quickly, as teams assessing immediate championship goals look for a proven edge rusher.
For Hendrickson, moving to a new team could reshape pass-rushing dynamics across the league, benefiting contenders looking to shore up defensive weaknesses. Cincinnati’s challenge will be extracting the best possible return without undermining their “win-now” prospects, and the outcomes of these rumors will have ripple effects throughout the NFL as team strategies for 2025 take shape.