The Cincinnati Bengals are considering trade offers for Trey Hendrickson as the 2025 NFL offseason progresses, following stalled contract negotiations. While the Bengals secured long-term deals with wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Hendrickson remains unsigned, prompting the team to explore potential trade opportunities for the All-Pro defensive end.
Hendrickson requested a trade earlier this offseason after negotiations reached an impasse, skipping mini-camp and part of training camp before eventually reporting to the Bengals. With the team unwilling to meet his salary demands, they appear open to parting ways with the 30-year-old pass rusher. Given his current $18 million salary this year and proven talent, Hendrickson is expected to attract strong interest from several teams looking to boost their defenses.
Carolina Panthers Looking to Strengthen a Weak Pass Rush
The Carolina Panthers ranked last in pressure generated on passing plays during the 2024 season, applying pressure on just 25.2% of dropbacks and allowing opponents ample time to throw. While they have some promising talent in Day 2 draft picks Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen—though Scourton recently suffered a collapsed lung—adding Hendrickson would represent a significant upgrade. He would bring a level of disruptive ability unmatched by Carolina’s current pass rushers within Ejiro Evero’s defensive scheme.
Seattle Seahawks Could Elevate Their Defense With Hendrickson
Seattle‘s defense, guided by head coach Mike Macdonald, is known for crafting effective pass rushes from a mix of players. However, the Seahawks have several promising edge rushers who could benefit from the presence of a veteran like Hendrickson. Integrating him into the roster would elevate the team’s pass-rushing capability substantially, giving Seattle an enhanced edge rush threat alongside its burgeoning talent.
Indianapolis Colts Eye Familiar Defensive Leader
The Colts selected Laiatu Latu early in the 2024 draft and already have Kwity Paye as a reliable starter on the opposite side. Despite this, Indianapolis ranked just 25th in sacks during the previous season. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, formerly with the Bengals, oversaw Hendrickson’s successful seasons in Cincinnati and had a hand in recruiting him from the Saints. His familiarity with Hendrickson’s skills and work ethic could make the Colts a natural fit for the pass rusher.
Green Bay Packers Have Cap Space and Need for Proven Edge Rusher
After trading Preston Smith in 2024, the Packers continue to seek a dependable edge rusher to complement Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness. They boast over $31 million remaining in cap space for 2025, which could be allocated to signing Hendrickson. Green Bay focused on bolstering quarterback Jordan Love’s offensive weapons in the draft, but addressing the defensive front by adding a reliable pass rusher would help balance the roster.
Detroit Lions Offer Significant Financial Leeway and Need for Veteran Pass Rusher
The Detroit Lions improved their offensive line and added wide receiver depth in the 2025 NFL Draft, yet pass rushers remained notably absent from their early draft targets. With Za’Darius Smith having left and Aidan Hutchinson‘s role uncertain last season, the Lions still face defensive pressure challenges. Holding more than $40 million in available salary cap space for 2025, Detroit is well positioned to pursue Hendrickson as a proven veteran who could immediately reinforce their pass rush.
Trey Hendrickson’s unresolved contract situation with the Bengals makes him one of the most intriguing defensive trade candidates of the 2025 offseason. His age and established production ensure that any team acquiring him would expect immediate impact on the pass rush. The Panthers, Seahawks, Colts, Packers, and Lions each present logical landing spots, with varying defensive needs and financial resources. As the Bengals consider offers, the outcome will significantly affect the balance of power in the AFC and <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/nfc/”>NFC defensive fronts heading into the 2025 season.