Trey Hendrickson, a star edge rusher for the Cincinnati Bengals, is set to hit the free agent market after the team declined to use the franchise tag. With a significant amount of cap space to play with, several teams are now in the running to sign him. But which teams are the most likely landing spots for the 31-year-old sack leader? Let's take a closer look at four potential destinations for Trey Hendrickson in free agency.
The Colts: A Familiar Face and a Strong Pass Rush
Just 115 miles west of Cincinnati, the Indianapolis Colts could be a strong contender for Hendrickson's services. With a need for pass-rush help, the Colts could look to bring back the former Bengals star. The move would also reunite Hendrickson with former Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who is now the Colts' DC. Under Anarumo's guidance, Hendrickson recorded at least 14 sacks in three of four seasons with the Bengals, including 17.5 in both 2023 and 2024.
The 49ers: A Team in Need of Pass Rush
The San Francisco 49ers finished with the NFL's fewest sacks last year (20), and they need to do anything they can to get some help in the pass-rushing department. With a significant need for a pass rush, the 49ers could be a strong contender for Hendrickson's services. Despite his age, Hendrickson's marketability as one of the most-prized free agents should not be underestimated.
The Patriots: A Team with Cap Space and a Need for Pass Rush
The New England Patriots made a big splash in free agency last offseason, and with a healthy amount of salary cap space, it wouldn't be surprising if they get aggressive again this year. The Patriots actually posted the league's worst sack differential last year, allowing 48 while recording 35. With a need for pass-rush upgrades, the Patriots could be a strong contender for Hendrickson's services.
The Titans: A Team with the Most Cap Space
The Tennessee Titans have more cap space than anyone, and if Hendrickson is chasing the biggest paycheck, this fit makes sense. With a strong need for pass-rush help, the Titans could be a strong contender for Hendrickson's services. And let's not forget: Robert Saleh is a defensive coach, so he'll certainly be looking for some game wreckers on that side of the ball.
A Stern Warning from Pete Prisco
For any team that might be interested in Hendrickson, Prisco did issue a stern warning. "Here's the problem with Trey Hendrickson: Injury and age," Prisco said. "You're talking about a guy who missed time last year and you're also talking about a guy who's 31 years old, but the allure and attraction of a pass-rusher like him will set the market for him."
Despite missing 10 games last season, Prisco still expects the 2024 sack leader to garner significant interest. "I think there's going to be teams interested in adding him. There's going to be a lot of teams who are pass-rush needy. All you have to do is go back to the last two Super Bowls and who won them: Well, the Eagles and the Seattle Seahawks, they could rush the passer. A lot of teams need that guy."
Prisco also predicts that Hendrickson will have a big market despite his age. "He's going to have a big market even though he's 31. I think there will be caution involved with the contract. You can't give him a megadeal because of the age, but he's going to get some kind of deal, probably a three-year deal, that's going to see him end up with some team that needs pass-rush help."
The NFC North: A Potential Landing Spot
It also wouldn't be surprising to see Hendrickson land in the NFC North. The Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions could both use some pass-rushing help, and there aren't many better options on the market than Hendrickson. The only reason those two teams aren't listed higher is because Hendrickson won't come cheap and both teams are currently over the cap with less than a week to go until the start of the free agent tampering period.
