The New England Patriots are being highlighted as a leading candidate in a potential trade for Trey Hendrickson, the standout defensive player from the Cincinnati Bengals and the NFL’s sack leader in the 2024 season. With tensions escalating between Hendrickson and the Bengals over contract disputes, the likelihood of him leaving Cincinnati is becoming increasingly apparent, and the Patriots are seen as an ideal destination to acquire this star.
Trey Hendrickson’s Contract Situation
Trey Hendrickson, 30, has established himself as one of the NFL’s premier defensive players. In the 2024 season, he led the league with 17.5 sacks, marking his second consecutive year achieving this impressive figure. Since joining the Bengals in 2021, Hendrickson has been a cornerstone of their defense, helping the team end a nine-year drought without an All-Pro representative. However, contract disputes have strained his relationship with the Bengals to a breaking point.
Currently in the final year of his contract, Hendrickson is dissatisfied with the Bengals’ delay in offering an extension. He has publicly expressed frustration, particularly after the team ceased communication with him following the 2025 NFL Draft. Hendrickson has even stated he will not play for the Bengals in the 2025 season without a new deal. In March, the Bengals granted him permission to seek a trade, fueling speculation about his future.
Why the Patriots Are a Potential Destination
The New England Patriots are considered one of the most suitable teams to acquire Hendrickson due to strategic and financial factors. According to SI.com, the Patriots have made significant efforts to bolster their defense during the 2025 offseason, but they still lack a critical component: the ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Last season, the Patriots ranked last in the NFL with only 28 sacks, highlighting a clear weakness at the edge rusher position.
Under the leadership of new head coach Mike Vrabel, the Patriots have shown notable progress. They signed defensive players like Harold Landry and Milton Williams and drafted Bradyn Swinson in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, none of these players match the impact of Hendrickson, who is regarded as a true “game-changer.” With 35 sacks over the past two seasons, Hendrickson outperforms many top stars, including TJ Watt, a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
The Patriots also lead the league in salary cap space, enabling them to meet Hendrickson’s expected high salary demands—projected at around $30 million per year or more, comparable to stars like Nick Bosa or Maxx Crosby. Additionally, the Patriots’ stable defensive system and Vrabel’s disciplined coaching style are seen as a good fit for Hendrickson’s playing style.
Challenges in the Trade
Despite the Patriots’ advantages, the trade is not without risks. At 30 years old, Hendrickson’s age raises concerns, and committing to a long-term, high-value contract for a player at this stage could be a gamble, especially for a team in a rebuilding phase like the Patriots. Two consecutive seasons with only four wins indicate that the team still needs time to return to contender status.
Moreover, the Patriots are not the only team interested in Hendrickson. Other teams, such as the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, and Seattle Seahawks, have also been mentioned as potential destinations. Each team offers its own advantages, such as the Lions’ explosive offense or the Colts’ connection to Hendrickson through former defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.
Trade Outlook
As of now, the Bengals have yet to make a final decision regarding Hendrickson’s future. Some sources, like NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, suggest that the Bengals still hope to retain Hendrickson and may reach an extension agreement. However, if both sides fail to find common ground, a trade before the 2025 season is entirely possible. The Patriots, with their substantial financial resources and pressing need for an edge rusher, are well-positioned to compete for him.
Should the trade materialize, Hendrickson could become a pivotal piece in improving the Patriots’ defense and supporting young quarterback Drake Maye in his second year. Nevertheless, the team must carefully weigh the short-term benefits against long-term risks before finalizing any decision.
Conclusion
Trey Hendrickson is one of the NFL’s most elite defensive players, and the possibility of him joining the New England Patriots would be a significant turning point for both sides. With an urgent need to improve their quarterback pressure and ample financial resources, the Patriots are poised to land a true superstar. However, they face stiff competition and strategic challenges in the long term. Regardless of the outcome, the story of Hendrickson’s future will undoubtedly continue to captivate attention in the coming months.