Austin Konenski
The New England Patriots know they have to make big moves during the NFL offseason, despite making the Super Bowl. New England has needs on its offensive and defensive lines, while looking for a wide receiver to lead the room. However, the Patriots have specifically been linked to an elite pass rusher in NFL free agency.
The Patriots are interested in signing star free agent pass rusher Trey Hendrickson after the Cincinnati Bengals didn’t give him the franchise tag, as reported by MassLive’s Mark Daniels. However, the it would have to be the right price for Hendrickson to end up in New England this offseason, as the organization wants flexibility for other moves as well.
Over the last three seasons, Hendrickson has been one of the best edge rushers in NFL. Despite a four-sack season in 2025, the 31-year-old defensive end had 17.5 sacks in 2023 and 2024. Hendrickson figures to receive a very big contract in NFL free agency, as players of his caliber typically don’t enter the market.
New England needs edge rushers to bolster the defense going into the 2026-27 NFL season. Milton Williams and Christian Barmore were the leaders of the defensive line on the interior, but the exterior struggled to sack the quarterback. There wouldn’t be a better option than Hendrickson to address that issue.
While it may seem like a long shot, the Patriots signing Hendrickson would bring an already great defense to elite status. New England will be in the market for multiple edge rushers in free agency and the NFL draft, but Hendrickson would help alleviate that need. After all, the Patriots know what an elite defense can do to an offensive line, and Hendrickson would be an outstanding addition.
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