NFL

Trey Hendrickson Trade Rumors: 5 Teams Who Could Deal For Bengals’ DE

Dan Girolamo Sports Editor

Published06 Mar 2025

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The Cincinnati Bengals are allowing defensive end Trey Hendrickson to seek a trade. The star pass-rusher is entering the final year of his contract in 2025. Hendrickson, 30, is set to earn $15.8 million in base salary with a $200,000 roster bonus. Hendrickson carries a cap hit of $18.7 million. With the NFL’s sack leader on the market, here are the teams that could deal for Hendrickson.

The Bengals have taken the rare step of granting All-Pro DE Trey Hendrickson permission to seek a trade. “It’s been an honor and privilege to represent Cincinnati over the last four years,” said Hendrickson, the NFL’s sack leader. “I love this city and organization. I appreciate… pic.twitter.com/7P7Hbe2Y9e

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 6, 2025

Detroit Lions

After Aiden Hutchinson suffered a season-ending leg injury in Week 6, the Detroit Lions have been interested in trading for a pass rusher.

The Lions ranked 23rd in the NFL with 37 sacks.

Detroit’s inability to disrupt Washington’s Jayden Daniels was one of the reasons why the Lions fell to the Commanders in the Divisional Round.

The Lions have been linked to Cleveland’s Myles Garrett. However, the Browns have repeatedly said they are not interested in trading Garrett.

With Hendrickson now on the market, Detroit should pivot to acquiring the Bengals’ star, who will come at a cheaper price.

Chicago Bears

Speaking of the NFC North, the Chicago Bears will be looking to add another pass rusher this offseason to play alongside Montez Sweat.

Chicago’s new defensive coordinator is Dennis Allen, who coached Hendrickson in New Orleans from 2017 to 2020.

The NFC North is arguably the best division in the NFL. The Lions, Minnesota Vikings, and Green Bay Packers were all playoff teams a season ago.

The Bears cannot afford to sit back and play it safe.

Adding Hendrickson could make Chicago’s defense a top-five unit in the sport.

Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals are projected to have the fourth-most cap space this offseason ($78 million).

The Cardinals’ biggest need this offseason is an edge rusher.

Arizona was ranked in the bottom eight in pressure rate and average time to pressure in 2024.

The Cardinals desperately need a game-wrecker at defensive end, and they have the picks and the cap space to acquire Hendrickson.

"With [Trey Hendrickson and DK Metcalf] having a year left [on their contract] that does depress their trade value."@MinaKimes spoke on teams she believes should "be on the phone" for All-Pro pass rusher Trey Hendrickson📱 pic.twitter.com/0sMsbt5sMe

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 6, 2025

Washington Commanders

The biggest free-agent destination this offseason is arguably the Washington Commanders.

The Commanders shocked the league last season by reaching the NFC Championship game.

Head coach Dan Quinn and quarterback Jayden Daniels were sensational in their first years with the team.

The biggest advantage in team-building is having a great quarterback on a rookie contract. That way, the organization can invest in the premier positions to support the quarterback.

With the fifth-most cap space in the NFL ($64.3 million), the Commanders should speak with Hendrickson to discuss a trade.