Trey Hendrickson is likely a top choice in the pass-rusher trade decisions. With the trading date approaching, people are discussing where he might end up. Cincinnati faces tough choices; they’re battling in a complex division while dealing with tricky player contracts. If they decide to rebuild, Hendrickson would likely be the most sought-after defender.
> “_Every contender in need of a closer on defense should be calling Cincinnati right now,”_ an NFC executive told SI.com earlier this week.
Hendrickson brings down opponents 7.5 times this season and 33 over the last year. He’s immediately valuable for teams chasing a championship. Let’s examine five places where he might fit to help them win it all.
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) talks with director of player personnel Duke Tobin before the first quarter of the NFL Preseason Week 2 game between the Washington Commanders and the Cincinnati Bengals at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md., on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025.
1\. Baltimore Ravens
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Baltimore’s defense is top-notch; however, bringing Hendrickson might make opponents truly fear playing them. He’d team up with Van Noy and Madubuike to create an incredibly disruptive pass rush. While the Ravens currently generate pressure on over 40% of plays, the league’s best, they need someone who can close out games. When Hendrickson came alive on those crucial third downs, close games within the AFC often swung Baltimore’s way. Imagine him playing alongside Smith, together with Queen. Suddenly, the playoffs look a whole lot brighter for the Ravens.
2\. Detroit Lions
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Dan Campbell wants players who could give their all while playing, and Hendrickson seems like a perfect fit. Despite good pass rush stats from Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit is only middle-of-the-pack in getting quarterbacks down. If Hendrickson joined forces with the Lions, their defense would be stabilized. Given how open the NFC is, he might be what Detroit needs to transition from a hopeful underdog to a genuine championship threat.
Nielsen once helped Hendrickson outshine with the Saints, notching 13.5 sacks and earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2020-21. Now, Jacksonville, leading the AFC South at 5-3, needs adjustments on the defensive line besides Josh Allen. Hendrickson brings power off the edge and establishes guidance for a developing team. Considering Nielsen already knows what Hendrickson offers, their teamwork might finally propel Jacksonville into a lengthy playoff journey, something they haven’t experienced since 2017.
4\. Kansas City Chiefs
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For the Chiefs to truly own the subsequent Super Bowl chase, Hendrickson may become their new star defender, a second coming of Von Miller. Their defense is already solid; however, pairing Hendrickson alongside George Karlaftis creates a fearsome pass-rushing team, perhaps the best in the conference. He shows fighting spirit with quickness and complements Spagnuolo’s bold plans well. As Jones gets so much attention, Hendrickson will face one-on-one matchups, which spells trouble for opposing QBs when the playoffs arrive.
5\. Dallas Cowboys
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Dallas depends heavily on Micah Parsons to disrupt opposing quarterbacks; however, relying solely on him is not a solution. They face challenges that generate pressure in his absence. DeMarcus Lawrence isn’t what he once was; moreover, backup players haven’t stepped up consistently. Also, Jerry Jones isn’t one to hold back, so adding Hendrickson with Parsons essentially lands Dallas a fearsome duo, a real threat come playoff time. Considering how vital it is to pressure quarterbacks like Brock Purdy or Jalen Hurts within their division, Hendrickson might be what separates an early loss from a lengthy postseason.
These five teams could be Hendrickson’s landing spot. However, no further details are currently available.