The Green Bay Packers are on the verge of pursuing a blockbuster trade that could transform their defensive front in the 2025 season. According to Sports Illustrated, their target is Trey Hendrickson, the elite defensive end of the Cincinnati Bengals, who has been making headlines due to contract disputes and his desire to leave his current team. With Hendrickson publicly expressing frustration and the Bengals granting him permission to seek a trade, the Packers see a golden opportunity to acquire a star capable of making an immediate impact on their defense.
Trey Hendrickson: NFL’s Sack Leader
Trey Hendrickson, 30, is no stranger to NFL stardom. He led the league with 17.5 sacks in the 2024 season and replicated that feat in 2023, placing him among the most dominant defensive ends in NFL history. Only the legendary Reggie White has recorded three consecutive seasons with at least 17 sacks. Hendrickson earned All-Pro honors in 2024 and won the Deacon Jones Award as the NFL’s sack leader. In just four seasons with the Bengals (2021–2024), he amassed 57 sacks, ranking sixth in franchise history in that short span.
However, tensions between Hendrickson and the Bengals have escalated due to his dissatisfaction with the team’s management. In a recent press conference, Hendrickson stated he felt “betrayed” by the Bengals for failing to honor promises of a contract extension with a salary commensurate with his value. With a base salary of $15.8 million for 2025—the final year of his contract—Hendrickson argues this figure is far below the current market rate, especially compared to stars like Myles Garrett ($40 million/year) or Maxx Crosby ($35.5 million/year).
Why the Packers Need Hendrickson
The Green Bay Packers’ defense exposed clear weaknesses in the 2024 season. While they ranked eighth in sacks (45), they were only 16th in quarterback pressure rate and 21st in knockdown rate, per SportRadar. Rashan Gary led the team with 7.5 sacks, but no other defensive end surpassed 5 sacks. This forced defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley to rely on complex blitz schemes rather than generating pressure with just the front four—a goal the Packers aim to achieve.
Hendrickson, with his relentless pressure (49 hurries, 16 quarterback hits in 2024), would instantly become a perfect complement to Gary. His presence could draw attention from opposing offenses, creating more opportunities for Gary and younger defenders like Kingsley Enagbare or Lukas Van Ness. According to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, acquiring Hendrickson would help the Packers form one of the NFL’s most fearsome pass-rushing duos.
Challenges in the Trade
While the opportunity is evident, bringing Hendrickson to Green Bay is no easy feat. The Bengals have allowed Hendrickson to explore trade options, but they are demanding a steep price—at least a second-round pick, or potentially a first-rounder if the market is favorable. Per Sports Illustrated, some analysts, like Albert Breer, believe the Bengals are unlikely to secure a first-round pick for a 30-year-old player, but a second- or third-round pick plus additional assets is realistic.
Financially, the Packers have approximately $31 million in cap space for 2025, sufficient to cover Hendrickson’s current contract and even a potential extension. However, Hendrickson is expected to demand a long-term deal worth around $30–35 million per year, similar to Crosby or Danielle Hunter. This poses a challenge for General Manager Brian Gutekunst, who typically prioritizes building around younger players rather than investing heavily in veterans past their prime.
Several trade proposals have surfaced. For instance, The 33rd Team suggested the Packers could offer their first-round (No. 23) and fifth-round (No. 159) picks in 2025, plus a 2026 second-rounder, to acquire Hendrickson. Another proposal from The Athletic includes sending Lukas Van Ness—a first-round pick in 2023 who has yet to break out—along with a third-round pick. These scenarios highlight the Packers’ need to balance sacrificing future assets with the chance to bolster their defense immediately.
A Chance for the Packers to Make a Statement
The Green Bay Packers are at a critical juncture. With the NFL’s youngest roster over the past two seasons and an 11-6 record in 2024, they’ve proven their potential as contenders. However, to become true championship hopefuls, the Packers need a game-changer on defense, akin to how Reggie White led them to a Super Bowl title in 1996. Hendrickson, with his proven production and Super Bowl LVI experience, could be that answer.
Yet, Gutekunst will need to break from the Packers’ traditional philosophy of avoiding big investments in older players to pull off this trade. The team has rarely splurged on veteran stars, as seen with signings like Za’Darius Smith or Preston Smith, who were acquired at age 26. Can Hendrickson, at 30, convince Gutekunst to shift this mindset?
Conclusion
The potential trade to bring Trey Hendrickson to the Green Bay Packers is a high-stakes gamble, but it’s also an opportunity for the team to cement its championship aspirations. With his elite pressure-generating ability and seasoned experience, Hendrickson could elevate the Packers’ defense, propelling them deeper into the playoffs. However, the cost—both in draft capital and financial commitment—presents a complex challenge for the front office. Will the Packers dare to make this bold move, or will they continue to trust their young talent? The answer will shape the team’s trajectory for the 2025 season and beyond.