The Cincinnati Bengals have made Trey Hendrickson available for trade, attracting interest from several teams, including the New England Patriots, who initiated discussions with the Bengals on Monday evening. This move comes amid ongoing contract disputes between Hendrickson and the Bengals, prompting speculation about potential trade destinations for the standout pass rusher.
Patriots General Manager Signals Openness to Major Trades
According to FOX News reporter Armando Salguero, the Patriots have expressed concrete interest in Hendrickson. Salguero quoted Patriots general manager Eliot Wolf, who mentioned that he has engaged with all 31 other <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL teams about possible roster additions but did not directly reference Hendrickson during media remarks.
“The New England Patriots are one of the teams who have called the Cincinnati Bengals about Trey Hendrickson, I’m told. Pats GM Eliot Wolf said earlier today he’s talking to the 31 other teams about possible additions but didn’t mention Hendrickson. He also told reporters he’d…”
—Armando Salguero, FOX News Reporter
Wolf indicated a willingness to trade either a first- or second-round draft pick to acquire a player who could significantly enhance the Patriots’ roster this season. This stance suggests that the Patriots could be actively pursuing Hendrickson or other star players involved in contract negotiations.
Financial Flexibility Gives Patriots an Edge in Trade Talks
The Patriots boast nearly $60 million in salary cap room, the largest in the NFL, according to Spotrac. This financial advantage positions them well to absorb a lucrative contract extension for Hendrickson, should a trade materialize. The team’s cap space enhances their prospects of acquiring high-caliber talent capable of immediate impact.
Hendrickson’s Performance and Contract Dispute with Bengals
Trey Hendrickson has been one of the NFL’s most productive pass rushers, recording 35 sacks over the past two seasons—more than any other player in that time frame. He tallied 17.5 sacks in each campaign and finished as the runner-up for the 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. Despite these achievements, negotiations on his next contract with Cincinnati have hit an impasse.
Hendrickson is scheduled to earn approximately $16 million in base salary this season, but the gap between his contract expectations and the Bengals’ offers reportedly remains wide. The handling of his contract talks has been questioned and could have contributed to the team’s current trade considerations.
Other Possible Patriots Trade Targets
Besides Hendrickson, the Patriots have been linked to Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who has recently requested a trade. These developments underscore New England’s proactive approach to strengthening their roster before the season.
Implications for the Bengals and Patriots
The Bengals’ decision to place Hendrickson on the trade block marks a significant moment as they weigh the future of a key defensive player. For the Patriots, engaging in these trade talks reflects a strategic effort to leverage available salary cap space and draft assets in pursuit of impact players. Should a deal be reached, it could reshape the defensive landscape of both teams as the NFL season approaches.