Over the past couple of weeks, there was growing buzz that things weren't great between star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson and the Cincinnati Bengals. He is seeking a lucrative contract extension after a stellar season with 17.5 sacks. Unfortunately, the Bengals are too busy trying to lock up star wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. This leaves no money left for Hendrickson, which is why Cincinnati granted him the right to explore trade possibilities with another team.
That is where the Chicago Bears come in. They have a glaring need at defensive end opposite Montez Sweat. New defensive coordinator Dennis Allen was in New Orleans when they drafted Hendrickson in 2017. The two know each other well. It seems like a natural fit. Insiders at ESPN seem to think the same. Adam Schefter and Mina Kimes both mentioned the Bears as a team to watch, with Hendrickson now on the board.
Trey Hendrickson will be expensive.
A good barometer for any trade for him will be similar to Khalil Mack from 2022. The Bears received 2nd and 6th round picks for him. A key difference is the contract. He was still under control for three more seasons at that point. Such is not the case with Trey Hendrickson. He has one year left on his current deal. That means any team trading for him will not only give up draft capital but also top-of-the-market money, even if it's a short-term extension of two to three years. This might lower the compensation enough to get the Bears involved. They've already traded two picks for Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney. GM Ryan Poles won't want to deplete his resources to dangerous levels. Still, there is no denying the addition of Hendrickson would give Allen's defense serious teeth.
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