If the Cleveland Browns Trade for Trey Hendrickson, Joe Burrow Will Be in Big Trouble

The AFC North has never lacked drama, but if the Cleveland Browns were to pull off a trade for Cincinnati Bengals star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, the rivalry might reach unprecedented levels. Hendrickson, one of the NFL’s most disruptive defensive ends, has been a cornerstone of the Bengals’ defensive identity. His departure to a division rival would not only weaken Cincinnati’s pass rush but also amplify the already dangerous Browns defense.

For quarterback Joe Burrow, the implications would be particularly concerning. Burrow has faced relentless pressure throughout his career, and the Browns have already constructed one of the league’s most formidable defensive fronts, led by Myles Garrett. Adding Hendrickson to that mix could spell disaster for Cincinnati’s offensive line, which has struggled with consistency despite repeated investments.

Hendrickson has logged double-digit sacks in multiple seasons, and his motor rarely stops. Pairing him opposite Garrett would give the Browns a one-two punch that could terrorize quarterbacks week after week. For Burrow, who thrives on poise and accuracy under pressure, that kind of defensive tandem could become his greatest obstacle.

“It’s already tough enough facing Myles Garrett twice a year,” one AFC North executive reportedly joked. “If Hendrickson joins that front, Burrow might need to start calling for extra blockers on every snap.”

From the Bengals’ perspective, such a move would be a gut punch. Losing Hendrickson not only diminishes their pass rush but hands a key weapon to a division rival hungry to overtake them. For a team that has Super Bowl aspirations, trading away a player of Hendrickson’s caliber would be difficult to justify unless the return package is overwhelming.

For the Browns, however, this would be the kind of bold, win-now move that could vault them into legitimate Super Bowl contention. Their defense already finished near the top of the league in several categories, and Hendrickson’s arrival would only elevate them further.

Ultimately, this scenario underscores the razor-thin margins in the AFC North. Every roster move has ripple effects across the division, and few would be as impactful as Cleveland adding Hendrickson. For Joe Burrow, it would mean preparing for a nightmare—facing not just Garrett, but a former teammate who knows exactly how to get to him.