Hendrickson, who stands 6’4″ and weighs 265 lbs, was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft before being traded to the Bengals. Since arriving in Cincinnati, the 30-year-old has established himself as one of the NFL’s premier edge rushers, notching 17.5 sacks in each of the last two seasons and totaling 77 sacks over his career (Pro Football Reference). Despite his on-field success, ongoing contract disputes have led to Hendrickson skipping portions of mini-camp and training camp earlier in the offseason, and he even requested a trade amid stalled negotiations.
Recent reports indicate that several teams have expressed interest in acquiring Hendrickson, with the Indianapolis Colts, Carolina Panthers, and Cleveland Browns among the teams most frequently mentioned. However, an in-division trade to the Browns appears unlikely due to their rivalry with Cincinnati. NFL insider Jordan Schultz has noted that any deal would require a significant return, including at least one impact player and a high-value draft pick for the Bengals to consider moving on from their defensive cornerstone.
Several potential landing spots have emerged as logical fits for Hendrickson. The Panthers, who finished last in the league in pass rush metrics in 2024, could use a proven edge presence to bolster their defense. The Seahawks, Colts, Packers, and Lions have also been linked as teams with both cap space and a need for a top-tier pass rusher. The Lions, in particular, have over $40 million in available cap space and a glaring need on the defensive line after the departure of Za’Darius Smith.
As of now, the situation remains fluid. While a trade involving Hendrickson is still considered unlikely, the Bengals’ willingness to entertain offers signals a potential shift in strategy if contract talks continue to stall. Bengals fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring developments as the regular season nears, given Hendrickson’s status as one of the NFL’s most productive and disruptive defenders. For continued updates and analysis, follow Trey Hendrickson on Twitter and stay tuned to Sports Illustrated’s Bengals coverage.