trey hendrickson
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Cincinnati Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson.
The Las Vegas Raiders could be a big issue for the team in 2025. Maxx Crosby is an All-Pro player, but he’s the only proven star of the group.
There’s plenty of young talent like cornerback Darien Porter, safety Isaiah Pola-Mao and defensive end Malcolm Koonce, but they are all unproven. The Raiders offense has the tools to be a top-10 unit in 2025, but the defense might be what holds them back from the playoffs.
However, there are still ways to upgrade. Trey Hendrickson led the NFL with 17.5 sacks last season, but hasn’t been able to get a new contract from the Cincinnati Bengals, which has led to him holding out.
The Bengals have been listening to trade offers, and according to former Raiders All-Pro offensive lineman Lincoln Kennedy, Las Vegas should be one of the teams to make a call.
“Trey Hendrickson brings a unique possibility to the table, and I’m going to say I think they should make a move for him,” Kennedy said on the “Locked on Raiders” podcast.
“The reason why is he knows how to rush over the left tackle, over the right side of the defense. They have been trying with Maxx Crosby over the years. Maxx Crosby’s strength is over the right tackle, the left side of defense. He feels more comfortable getting his left hand down and having that go from there. Hendrickson has always quietly been one of the most productive players at defensive end spot.”
What’s the Asking Price for Hendrickson?
Hendrickson is a great player who would give Crosby the best running mate of his career. The problem is that he wants a big new contract, and the Bengals are going to want a haul in return for him.
“Teams that have recently inquired about Bengals star Trey Hendrickson were told Cincinnati’s asking price included a young defensive player and a 2026 first-round pick, according to league sources,” The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported on X.
“The player heading back does not have to be a pass rusher.”
A young defensive player and a first-round pick is a steep price to pay for a 30-year-old player who wants a lot of money. The Raiders also aren’t loaded with great young talent on defense right now. If Las Vegas could send somebody like Tyree Wilson and a second-round pick for Hendrickson, that could be a deal worth making for Las Vegas.
Tyree Wilson Stepping Up This Offseason
Wilson is a former top-10 draft pick, but he hasn’t been able to make much of an impact in his brief career. However, he might finally be headed in the right direction, which would alleviate the need to trade for a player like Hendrickson.
Wilson has been playing well in training camp and could have a big role on the defense. He personally feels like he’s gotten much better this offseason.
“I mean, y’all watch the tape, just like I do,” Wilson told reporters on Wednesday. “I feel like I’m playing faster, way more fluid than I have been before. And it’s going to continue to get better.”