Trey Hendrickson trade rumor dubs Las Vegas Raiders 'frontrunners' for Bengals star

If a new rumor is to be believed, the Las Vegas Raiders are not only interested in a trade for Cincinnati Bengals star Trey Hendrickson, they might be one of the frontrunners to acquire him.

The rumor comes from On SI's Hondo Carpenter, who cites an unnamed NFL executive who has "no doubt" that Las Vegas is a frontrunner for Hendrickson.

Here's exactly what Carpenter is hearing in the midst of trade rumors involving the 2024 NFL sacks leader heating up recently:

In a conversation with an NFL executive on Tuesday, I was informed, “I have no doubt the Raiders are the frontrunners. Tom Brady and Mark Davis want to win now, and John (Spytek) has no fear when it comes to making bold moves. The kid (Hendrickson is 30), that move is the mentality of Pete Carroll; he’s not afraid of anything that could improve the team.”

When I inquired about the potential cost of acquiring Hendrickson, the executive said, “From what I hear, the Bengals are seeking either multiple picks or a combination of a pick and a player. They aren’t particularly focused on one side of the ball, but their offense is exceptional, while their defense is (excrement). I would speculate that a player and a third-round pick would be sufficient to land him.”

Reports suggest the Bengals are looking for a young defensive player and a first-round pick, but that doesn't mean they're going to get that, especially with Hendrickson's age and need for a hefty extension.

The package that the executive suggests to Carpenter is much more realistic. If Las Vegas is serious about acquiring Hendrickson, they could offer up a package with Malcolm Koonce and a 2026 second- or third-round pick.

Koonce is both a young player and someone who could help fill the void along the edge with Hendrickson gone, which should be appealing to Cincinnati

When it comes to an extension for Hendrickson, the Raiders are well-equipped to get that done, with the team having a strong salary cap situation over the next few years.

That said, giving up a young, promising player like Koonce and a valuable draft asset to add a second elite (and aging) edge rusher is a move a team makes when it's one move away, which the Raiders are not.

However, head coach Pete Carroll has made it quite clear that the Raiders plan on contending in 2025, so a go-for-it move like trading for Hendrickson shouldn't be completely ruled out for Las Vegas.

One thing's for sure: having Hendrickson lining up opposite Maxx Crosby would seriously enhance Las Vegas' chances of competing in a division and conference that's loaded with talented quarterbacks.