Cincinnati Bengals star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson has requested a trade on April 24th. The turn of events comes after ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Hendrickson is disgruntled over the team’s unwillingness to meet his request for a long-term contract. From a personal standpoint, he has every right to demand a new contract. Hendrickson has made the Pro Bowl every year with the Bengals and ranks third in the NFL with 53 sacks over the past four seasons. With all the uncertainty surrounding Hendrickson, Bleacher Report’s Adam Wells believes the Chicago Bears should be a trade suitor for the three-time Pro Bowler.
Bleacher Report Lists Bears As Trade Suitor For Trey Hendrickson
Does Trading For Yet Another Pass Rusher Make Sense For The Bears?
The Bears recently traded a second-round pick during the 2023-24 season for pass rusher Montez Sweat. A move that made the defense go from worst to first was a detrimental trade for the Bears. However, is it worth using more draft capital for another player in the same position? Absolutely. The Bears desperately need another pass rusher opposite Sweat who can create pressure and generate sacks on his own. Trading for Trey Hendrickson would immediately solve the Bears biggest concern on defense and create one of the best pass-rushing duos in the NFL.
The Bears still have around $23 million in cap space and have the draft capital necessary for a player of Hendrickson’s caliber. The bigger problem is if the Bengals are willing to part ways with Hendrickson. With Super Bowl aspirations and a star quarterback, having Hendrickson on the team is vital for the Bengals. It appears it would take substantial draft capital to acquire him.
Is Trey Hendrickson Is Worth Trading For?
Trey Hendrickson played all 17 games for the Bengals last season, finishing the season with 43 total tackles, 17.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles. Additionally, throughout his three seasons as a Bengal, Hendrickson racked up 109 total tackles, 39.5 sacks, and nine forced fumbles. Trading for one of the most productive edge rushers is worth the high draft capital for the Bears.
Something important to note: The Bengals are in a tough situation financially. With quarterback Joe Burrow on a massive contract of five years, $275 million, and star wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins eyeing a massive extension, paying an edge rusher who’s about to be 30 years old might not be in the Bengals plans.
Why the Bears Should Be All In On Trey Hendrickson
If the Bengals decided they wanted to spend their money on other players, the Bears should rush in for Hendrickson. Like the Bengals, the Bears have constructed a roster capable of competing in the playoffs. All that’s left for Chicago is to find the last piece of the puzzle: another pass rusher. Having a pass-rushing duo capable of producing double-digit sack numbers will give opposing offenses nightmares. Also, the Bears give rookie quarterback Caleb Williams time to adjust in the NFL with the ability to start with favorable field position. If the Bears believe they are one piece away from being a Super Bowl contender, then there should be no hesitation in making a move for Hendrickson.
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