Trey Hendrickson.
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Even though there have been rumblings that the Bears aren't interested in Trey Hendrickson, the tide may be turning.
Former Cincinnati Bengals edge Trey Hendrickson remains a free agent as of Tuesday, March 10, and he’s one of the last men standing when it comes to elite defensive ends on the market.
The Chicago Bears didn’t get Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders, but they still have a chance to get Hendrickson. Even though reports have indicated they’re not looking to make a “big splash” in free agency, never say never.
According to a Sunday, March 8, report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Chicago isn’t in the market for a major pass rusher. But, even though this one report discouraged people from thinking the Bears would go for Hendrickson, it’s certainly not absolute.
“Yes, they could use pass-rush help,” Fowler stated. “But I don’t sense Chicago is desperate for a splashy pass rusher. Much will depend on price. Interior rush help could be the way to go.”
But, that’s just his opinion. For all we know, Ben Johnson could be on the phone with Hendrickson this very minute.
Trey Hendrickson News: Defensive End Ranked the Top Free Agent Left in 2026
In The Athletic’s updated roster of available free agents out on Tuesday, March 10, Hendrickson is No. 1.
“Hendrickson has been one of the most productive pass rushers in the NFL over the past five seasons,” Daniel Popper of The Athletic states in the piece. “He has the third-most sacks in the league since 2020 with 74.5, and he played in only seven games last season due to a core-muscle injury that required surgery.”
Popper adds, “Hendrickson plays with a relentless, urgent motor that puts crushing pressure on a tackle’s outside shoulder. He turns the corner and finishes with a straight-line burst, always hunting for the ball.”
Hendrickson will cost a pretty penny, and he’s holding out for a lucrative deal. So, will Chicago get in on it?
The Chicago Bears Still Need an Elite Edge for the 2026-27 Season
In a Saturday, March 7, feature for SI, Bryan Perez lays out why the Bears should still be in the market for an elite edge, and he names Hendrickson as an obvious fit.
“One logical alternative is Trey Hendrickson, one of the most productive edge rushers in the NFL over the last several seasons and a player who will be available in free agency when the legal tampering period begins,” he notes in the piece. “If Chicago still wants to make a major move on the defensive front, Hendrickson deserves serious consideration.”
He notes that defense was one of Chicago’s “biggest weaknesses” last season, and Hendrickson could change that dynamic in a major way.
According to research from Spotrac, Hendrickson is worth $25 million per year, putting him among the highest-paid edge rushers in the NFL. That’s costly, but as Perez points out, “The Bears have already created financial flexibility this offseason through several roster moves, including the release of linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and the trade of wide receiver DJ Moore.”
“Adding Hendrickson would accelerate the evolution of the defense and help match the offense’s timeline,” he adds.
So, talent doesn’t come cheap. If Johnson is serious about accelerating this team to the big game, Hendrickson may be the splash move that he needs to make.