The Chicago Bears are reportedly considering a trade to acquire Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson, a move that could significantly bolster their pass rush. Hendrickson, who is under contract for $21 million through the 2025 season, has been one of the NFL’s most productive edge rushers in recent years. In 2024, he recorded a career-high 17.5 sacks, further establishing himself as a dominant force on the defensive line.
Why the Bears Need Hendrickson
The Bears have struggled defensively, particularly in their pass rush. They ranked 24th in pass rush win rate and 29th in run-stopping win rate during the 2024 season, making it clear that reinforcing the defensive front is a top priority. While they have promising pieces, such as Montez Sweat, adding Hendrickson would give them a formidable duo capable of consistently pressuring opposing quarterbacks.
Chicago’s front office has shown a willingness to make aggressive moves to improve their roster, and acquiring Hendrickson would fit that approach. The Bears’ defense has lacked a consistent pass-rushing presence for years, and pairing Hendrickson with Sweat could be the missing piece they need to take their unit to an elite level.
Potential Trade Package
A trade for Hendrickson would likely require the Bears to part with draft picks, as the Bengals are not in a rebuilding phase and would want compensation that allows them to remain competitive. A realistic package could include a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, along with an additional mid-round selection or a future pick.
Cincinnati, meanwhile, might be open to trading Hendrickson due to financial considerations. With major contract extensions looming for key players like wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and quarterback Joe Burrow’s massive deal already in place, the Bengals may look to create cap flexibility. Moving Hendrickson would free up cap space while also adding valuable draft assets.
How Hendrickson Fits in Chicago
If the Bears acquire Hendrickson, he would immediately become a leader on the defense. His presence on the edge would force opposing offensive lines to account for multiple pass-rushing threats, preventing them from double-teaming Sweat. This could also benefit the Bears’ secondary, as a more effective pass rush would reduce the amount of time opposing quarterbacks have to make decisions.
Additionally, Hendrickson’s ability to defend the run would be an asset. The Bears struggled against the run at times last season, and having a high-motor player like Hendrickson setting the edge would help solidify their front seven.
Bengals’ Perspective
While trading away one of their best defensive players would not be ideal, the Bengals may see it as a necessary move given their salary cap situation. They have young talent along the defensive line, including Myles Murphy and Joseph Ossai, who could step into larger roles if Hendrickson were to be moved.
By acquiring additional draft capital, Cincinnati could use those picks to address other needs, such as the offensive line or defensive secondary. The Bengals have been a Super Bowl contender in recent years, and if they believe they can replace Hendrickson’s production with younger, cost-controlled players, they may be willing to make the deal.
What’s Next?
While no official trade discussions have been reported, the speculation surrounding Hendrickson and the Bears makes sense given both teams’ current situations. If the Bears are serious about taking the next step defensively, making a move for Hendrickson could be a game-changing decision.
As the NFL offseason unfolds, the Bears’ front office will have to weigh the cost of acquiring Hendrickson against their long-term plans. If they believe he can be a difference-maker for their defense, they may be willing to pay the price in draft capital to land one of the league’s top pass rushers.
For now, it remains a situation to watch closely, as Chicago looks to continue its defensive rebuild and Cincinnati evaluates its financial flexibility moving forward.
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