Trey Hendrickson Trade Talk: Fantasy Land or Real Possibility for Packers?

Trey Hendrickson Trade Talk: Fantasy Land or Real Possibility for Packers?

As the NFL season draws closer, rumors about potential trades are heating up. One of the most intriguing scenarios involves Cincinnati Bengals’ star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson. The 29-year-old has been a dominant force on the defensive line, leading the league in sacks last season with 17.5. Yet, with contract disputes and a potential trade looming, could the Green Bay Packers make a move to bring Hendrickson to their defense?

The Packers are facing a key issue heading into the 2025 season: they need more pressure on the quarterback. Despite having talented players like Rashan Gary, Green Bay’s pass rush hasn't been consistent enough, especially in the wake of a subpar 2024 season. While Gary is a proven commodity, the rest of the defense, including the edge rusher position, leaves some questions unanswered. This is where Hendrickson could make a difference.

At 29, Hendrickson is coming off back-to-back seasons with 17.5 sacks. His high motor and ability to disrupt offenses make him one of the league's premier pass rushers. However, his current contract situation with the Bengals is a cloud hanging over his future. Hendrickson is set to become a free agent after the 2025 season and has made it clear that he wants to be paid like one of the league's top pass rushers, akin to Myles Garrett or T.J. Watt. The Bengals have not been able to meet his demands, leading to rumors of a trade.

For the Packers, Hendrickson would provide an immediate upgrade. While Gary is an elite pass rusher, Hendrickson’s ability to pressure quarterbacks on the opposite side would form a deadly duo for Green Bay. Adding Hendrickson would also give defensive coordinator Joe Barry more flexibility and the ability to create even more mismatches along the line.

The major obstacle, however, remains the Bengals’ asking price. Cincinnati has reportedly sought an “impact player or two” and a draft pick in return for Hendrickson, which could make any potential trade difficult for Green Bay to pull off. The Packers, already in a salary cap crunch, may find it hard to meet those demands without sacrificing key assets.

Could the Packers pull off a deal? It’s certainly a possibility. The Packers have two first-round picks in 2026 and could offer one in exchange for Hendrickson. However, they would have to weigh the long-term implications of such a trade, especially if they need to retain key players in future seasons.

At the end of the day, the Packers’ pass rush would be greatly improved by adding a proven veteran like Hendrickson. But the trade rumors, for now, remain just that—rumors. Green Bay will likely explore all options before making a final move. But if the stars align, don’t be surprised to see Hendrickson in Green Bay next season.