The New England Patriots are sending shockwaves through the NFL with reports that they are actively pursuing a blockbuster trade to acquire star pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson from the Cincinnati Bengals. According to sources from Musket Fire and posts circulating on X, the Patriots are eyeing a significant upgrade to their defensive front, particularly at the edge rusher position, where they currently rank dead last in the NFL in sacks this season.
Why the Patriots Need Trey Hendrickson
The Patriots’ defense has shown notable improvement in the 2025 offseason with key acquisitions like Carlton Davis, Khyiris Tonga, and Milton Williams. However, their pass rush remains a glaring weakness. With just 28 sacks in the previous season, New England is desperate for a game-changer like Hendrickson—a standout who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in his most recent season, alongside 46 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and 36 quarterback hits.
Hendrickson’s impact extends beyond the field. Known for his leadership, he could serve as a mentor to young talents like Keion White while elevating the Patriots’ defense to a new level, making them a formidable threat to opposing offenses.
Contract Situation and Trade Opportunity
Trey Hendrickson is currently at odds with the Cincinnati Bengals over a contract extension. He has publicly expressed frustration and indicated he will not continue playing under his current deal. This standoff puts the Bengals at risk of losing their star pass-rusher without compensation if they fail to reach an agreement or trade him soon.
Initially, the Bengals reportedly demanded a first-round draft pick for Hendrickson, a price that deterred many teams. However, Patriots Wire analyst Cam Garrity suggests that New England could secure the deal for a second-round and a fourth-round pick, potentially receiving a fifth-round pick in return. This would be a bargain for a player of Hendrickson’s caliber. The Patriots hold a fourth-round pick from the Chicago Bears (via the Kansas City Chiefs) in the 2025 NFL Draft, positioning them well to meet these terms.
Patriots’ Advantage in the Trade
Under the leadership of new head coach Mike Vrabel, the Patriots are entering the 2025 season with significant financial flexibility, boasting approximately $130 million in cap space—one of the highest figures in the NFL. This allows them not only to execute the trade but also to offer Hendrickson an attractive new contract.
Furthermore, Vrabel, who served as an advisor for the Cleveland Browns last season, has firsthand knowledge of Hendrickson’s dominance on the field. This experience makes him keenly aware of the 30-year-old’s value and determined to bring him to Foxborough.