Sportsnaut
Five months after allowing their All-Pro pass-rusher to find a new team, the Cincinnati Bengals are once again reconsidering Trey Hendrickson trades. Hendrickson wants a new contract, but after leading the NFL with 17.5 sacks and being named a first-team All-Pro, he’s earned one.
Set to have an $18.6 million cap hit, Hendrickson’s current salary ($15.8 million) comes nowhere close to the top of the market, like Myles Garrett, who leads all defenders with an annual average value of $40 million.
The Bengals are reportedly seeking a first-round pick, plus a young defensive player in exchange for Hendrickson. But that player does not have to be a pass-rusher to replace Hendrickson in the lineup.
So, unless they’re willing to strike a deal, let’s look at a few potential offers the Bengals should be willing to accept for Hendrickson right now.
Related: 2025 NFL QB Rankings: Where is Joe Burrow?
The Patriots shouldn’t hesitate to present this offer, especially considering how Dugger is seemingly being prepared for a reduced role a year after signing a $58 million contract. The Bengals would likely prefer a first-round selection, New England likely won’t be willing to pay that price knowing they’re coming off having a top-five pick. Still, getting two immediate contributors on defense, plus a future pick that could land in the top 50, is better than having a disgruntled player in the locker room.
Related: NFL defense rankings 2025: Evaluating all 32 defenses
If there’s a team that may be more comfortable meeting both the Bengals’ asking price, plus Hendrickson’s contract demands, it could be the Colts. It heps that their new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo is who coached the Bengals’ defense for all four of Hendrickson’s Pro Bowl seasons.
This offer could entice the Bengals because it offers what could be a top 50 pick, plus a 25-year-old 6-foot-3 cornerback in Brents, a second-round pick from 2023. Ebukam missed all of 2024 with a torn Achilles, but recorded 9.5 sacks in 2023, possibly helping replace some of Hendrickson’s production.
Related: Top 2025 NFL Rookie of the Year Candidates: Ashton Jeanty, Abdul Carter, Who Else?
The Panthers are banking on potential from their pass-rush group in 2025. Yet, after a historically bad defense in 2024, the Panthers can ensure their group takes a leap forward by adding a proven pass-rusher who led the league in sacks.
Meanwhile, the Bengals add two more picks to their ’26 class plus a 27-year-old pass-rusher in Wonnum. The former fourth-round pick was limited to just eight games due to injury last season, but he still recorded four sacks. His previous career-high (8 sacks) came in 2023 (and 2021) with the Minnesota Vikings, earning...
