The Cincinnati Bengals are working on making Ja’Marr Chase the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Though, to do so, they may have to cut some costs.
Trey Hendrickson, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024, is headed into the final year of his contract and has a cap hit of $18.6 million in 2025. After the All-Pro season he had, finishing as the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year runner-up, Hendrickson expects to land a contract extension that makes him one of the highest-paid defenders in the league, but it won’t happen with the Bengals.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Hendrickson has requested a trade from the Bengals, and Cincinnati intends to honor the request. This means the NFL’s leading sack artist over the past two seasons is likely headed to another team this offseason, meaning one lucky team will get a significant upgrade.
But who will it be? Let’s look at six potential landing spots for a Hendrickson trade.
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Indianapolis Colts
Lou Anarumo, Hendrickson’s defensive coordinator since he arrived in Cincinnati in 2021, is now coordinating the Colts’ defense. Considering all four of Hendrickson’s Pro Bowl appearances came under Anarumo, why wouldn’t he want to follow him to Indianapolis?
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Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are desperate to upgrade their pass rush after having the NFL’s second-fewest sacks last season. Trading a first-round pick for the NFL’s best sack artist of the past two seasons feels like the perfect way to provide an immediate solution to their biggest need.
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Los Angeles Chargers
Khalil Mack is a free agent and now Joey Bosa is too after the Chargers released their five-time Pro Bowler. The Chargers will need to find sack production elsewhere and who better than Hendrickson?
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Chicago Bears
New Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen was Hendrickson’s defensive coordinator in New Orleans where he spent four seasons with the Saints. Now the two could reunite in Chicago where Ben Johnson is expected to lead a sharp turnaround.
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Green Bay Packers
The Packers are expected to make a splashy acquisition this offseason and Hendrickson would certainly qualify. He’d immediately become the team’s best edge rusher and the Packers can afford to pay him what he wants.
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Washington Commanders
Expected to consider adding multiple impact players this offseason, the Commanders could get a significant upgrade by adding the NFL’s reigning sack leader. Hendrickson would take a lot of pressure off a defensive backfield that still needs improvement.
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