According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Panthers, Browns, and Colts are among the teams showing interest in Cincinnati Bengals All-Pro pass rusher Trey Hendrickson. An in-division trade is considered highly unlikely, and any trade will be difficult to complete. Cincinnati is believed to want an impact player or two, plus a draft pick. Hendrickson is looking for a contract extension and is expected to become one of the league’s highest-paid pass rushers after recording a career-high 17.5 sacks, which led the NFL last season. Hendrickson’s availability makes him one of the most intriguing names on the market. The list of Trey Hendrickson trade destinations will only grow as more teams show interest before the season starts.
The Bengals Are Actively Shopping Trey Hendrickson, Here Are Potential Destinations:
Confirmed Teams Showing Interest:
The Carolina Panthers have a clear weakness on the defensive line. They will be heavily intrigued by the chance to add an elite pass rusher like Hendrickson. Carolina needs to upgrade its pass rush, especially after failing to replace Brian Burns, and a proven star would immediately upgrade the unit. The Panthers could be willing to give up valuable draft picks, knowing a game-changing pass rusher like Hendrickson can boost their defense and swing games.
The Cleveland Browns remain a long shot because of the division rivalry with Cincinnati. Still, if they pulled off the move, it would create one of the NFL’s most dangerous pass-rushing duos. Pairing Myles Garrett with Hendrickson would give Cleveland a relentless one-two punch. Offensive lines would struggle, and opposing quarterbacks would be under constant pressure. The odds are slim, but the potential payoff is massive.
The Indianapolis Colts are another interesting fit. They have invested in two young pass rushers, Kwity Paye and Laiatu Latu. Hendrickson, however, would give them the proven star they lack. The Colts could package one of their young players in a deal to entice Cincinnati. Hendrickson’s experience and production would provide an immediate upgrade as Indianapolis tries to push toward playoff contention.
Other Potential Teams That Could Be Interested:
The Chicago Bears stand out as a strong destination with aggressive general manager Ryan Poles. Chicago has built a promising secondary, but the pass rush still needs more firepower. Montez Sweat cannot carry the group on his own, and while Dayo Odeyingbo adds depth, the Bears need another difference-maker. Pass rush wins championships and creates turnovers, especially in the tough NFC North division. Hendrickson would give Chicago the consistent disruption it needs to maximize its defense.
The Green Bay Packers also make sense as an aggressive suitor. Lukas Van Ness is still unproven, and the Packers cannot rely on his development alone if they want to win now. Adding Hendrickson would remove the uncertainty and raise the ceiling of their defense. Green Bay is close to becoming a true contender. A proven star off the edge could be the piece that makes them legitimate Super Bowl threats in the NFC.
The New England Patriots are another logical option. They have a ton of cap space and draft capital. Keion White and Harold Landry provide production, but Hendrickson is a clear upgrade over both. New head coach Mike Vrabel wants to reshape the Patriots’ defense with toughness, turnovers, and discipline. Hendrickson fits that mold. His presence would pressure quarterbacks, create turnovers, and help reestablish New England’s edge. The team is looking for more star power, and Hendrickson could deliver exactly that as the Patriots push back toward playoff contention.
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