One of the league’s best pass-rushers has reportedly requested a trade.
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson has asked to be traded over a contract dispute, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
After posting 17.5 sacks for Cincinnati in 2023, Hendrickson must want a more long-term deal that reflects his status as a premiere talent at a major position, one that the Bengals must not feel comfortable in paying with an extension for wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase on the way.
Hendrickson will likely have no shortage of suitors if the Bengals are amendable to getting this done around this week’s 2024 NFL Draft.
Any team adding someone with Hendrickson’s talent and production at this stage of the offseason would be outstanding for any number of teams in the league. Let’s break down five possible destinations.
Atlanta Falcons
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The Falcons desperately need an impact edge rusher, whether it’s acquiring one in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft or making a move for someone like Hendrickson. Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot was in New Orleans when Hendrickson was drafted in 2017, and new head coach Raheem Morris (above) could use someone experienced like Hendrickson to help his return to Atlanta go as well as it can. The Falcons could send a few picks Cincy’s way and finally get the edge rusher the franchise has been looking for since John Abraham.
Washington Commanders
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The Commanders are definitely taking the quarterback of the future on Thursday night, but the team needs defensive line help and has the cap space to pay Hendrickson what he wants. This would be an outstanding move to help kick off this new era of Commanders football, as Hendrickson would instantly become the best player on the defense and raise this team’s floor.
Arizona Cardinals
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The Arizona Cardinals have a ton of draft picks, and the team has a franchise quarterback set in Kyler Murray. As strange as it is to say, the Cardinals are in win-now mode while Murray is playing in his prime. Adding Hendrickson to this ascending Cardinals defense and paying him to be a team pillar would be a great move for Arizona, particularly when you see how much draft capital the team has going into Thursday night.
Los Angeles Rams
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The Rams have made it a habit to acquire established veterans in pursuit of a Super Bowl, and Hendrickson would absolutely qualify as an option Los Angeles might consider pursuing. Especially after losing Aaron Donald to retirement, maybe the Rams send a sizable offer of picks to Cincinnati to acquire Hendrickson for its defensive line. It’d be the kind of aggressive move the Rams have become famous for (and have found plenty of success with over the years).
New England Patriots
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The Patriots are clearly in rebuild mode and might not be the most obvious choice to trade for a veteran pass-rusher. However, the lead the league in cap space right now with more than $50 million available to spend. It’s not hard imagining New England wanting Hendrickson as a tone-setter on the field and in the locker room and making a move like this. They’re probably not the favorites, but they’ve got more dollars for a contract extension than any other team in the NFL.
