Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson may leave for a new team this season in trade after what he said on the Pat McAfee Show in his first appearance. According to Hendrickson, he is there to help them “Win a Super Bowl for Cincinnati if I’m there or not,” which likely suggests he’s open to the possibility of a trade. However, it could translate to basically saying “Pay me or trade me,” while he’s waiting patiently for the right moment of a deserved contract extension. However, the chances of that are relatively low, considering they have Wide Receivers, Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase to worry about extending.
Hendrickson did not sound happy at all on the McAfee Show, though. He doesn’t appreciate the miscommunication from the Bengals front office. Originally selected in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the former Florida Atlantic product spent the first three seasons with the New Orleans Saints before leaving them to join the Bengals, signing a four-year, $60 million contract. Hendrickson became a catalyst of the powerful Cincinnati defense, where he earned himself a new extension in 2023, lasting up until now after the 2025 season. The veteran is entering the final year of his contract and it seems imminent he may decide to sit out to demand a new deal.
However, the Bengals could be forced to grant Trey Hendrickson a trade since the Bengals’ Director of Player Personnel, Duke Tobin, seems to agree Hendrickson on a new deal but can’t have “guys at the top of the payoff in every position.” Here are three teams who could give Hendrickson a worthy contract.
NFL Sacks Leader Trey Hendrickson Suggests Trade on Pat McAfee Show
Pulling Out the Piggybank
The New Orleans Saints are not in the financial position to trade for a superstar pass rusher, but they could pull something off temporarily. General Manager Mickey Loomis has always found a way to make their salary cap work since he has been reluctant to rebuild the roster since Drew Brees’ departure five years ago. However, it’s time to strap up the boots and find some worthy talent to bolster the defensive trenches. Chase Young will likely leave since he’s a free agent and they will look into releasing some veterans such as Cameron Jordan and Tyrann Mathieu for salary cap relief.
With these moves, they might have a chance to bring in someone like Hendrickson. The team might not have a head coach yet, but the trade for Hendrickson could intrigue the availability of who may want to lead the Saints. However, Hendrickson’s presence and experience, especially coming back to New Orleans would make sense as far as chemistry so many should expect the Saints to be on top of his list.
Rebuilding the Defense
Meanwhile, the Panthers spent the last two offseasons reconstructing their offense for quarterback Bryce Young. It’s time for head coach Dave Canales to find some help for Derrick Brown’s return. Jadeveon Clowney is aging and the Panthers might make it clear he won’t be in their plans. However, the team will need to address the pass-rushing unit either way since Shaq Thompson is still waiting for a new deal. This means trading for a star like Hendrickson will likely make life easier for Brown since he’s capable of playing on any side of the defensive trenches.
Bolstering Washington’s Defense
Washington has done phenomenal to improve their offense under second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels. They are now the new team that could intrigue future potential trade candidates and free agents. With that, it makes too much sense for the Commanders not to look into Trey Hendrickson. He has nostalgic characteristics similar to former Commander Ryan Kerrigan and since Jonathan Allen’s future is bleak, it could provide some much-needed ferocious speed in the defensive line.
The post “I Want To Help Whether I’m There or Not” – NFL Sacks Leader Could Leave for Saints, Panthers, Commanders in Trade appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.