With free agency quickly approaching, the NFL’s best pass rusher has become available.
On Thursday, according to ESPN, the Cincinnati Bengals granted defensive end Trey Hendrickson permission to seek a trade. The 30-year-old is coming off a dominant season where he led the NFL in sacks with 17.5.
Hendrickson earned First-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors for his efforts. He also finished second in the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year voting.
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to represent Cincinnati over the last four years,” Hendrickson said in a statement given to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. “I love this city and organization. I appreciate the privilege of now being allowed to explore my options.”
Hendrickson instantly becomes the best pass rusher available this offseason. He’s made 17.5 sacks in each of the last two seasons in Cincinnati. He’s been named to four straight Pro Bowl teams. Last year, Hendrickson also made 36 quarterback hits.
Hendrickson has one year left on his contract, with a base salary of $15.8 million, but wants a new contract. His time in Cincinnati is likely coming to an end as the Bengals have shifted their focus on signing receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase to long-term contracts.
From the Patriots perspective, Hendrickson would instantly improve their pass rush. The team would need to part with draft compensation to acquire the Pro Bowler. They have the salary cap space to make a new deal work.
After trading Matthew Judon last summer, the Patriots pass rush wasn’t the same. The defense finished last in the NFL in sacks. Heading into free agency, the Patriots are looking to bolster their defensive line.
A player like Hendrickson would be costly in multiple ways, but a surefire way to improve the team.
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