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Bears Land 4-Time Pro Bowl Edge Rusher in Blockbuster Trade Pitch

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jordan J. Wilson | Last updated Feb 3, 2025 5:25 PM ET

The Chicago Bears will once again enter the NFL offseason looking to bolster their defensive line and may have an opportunity to benefit from the situation between superstar edge rusher Trey Hendrickson and the Cincinnati Bengals.

Hendrickson has made the Pro Bowl in each of his first four seasons with the Bengals and is coming off his second straight season with 17.5 sacks, an NFL-leading mark in 2024. But with just one year left on his current contract — and no guaranteed money remaining — he could insist upon a new deal for 2025.

The Bengals might not be able to oblige, either, with wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase each chasing their own high-priced extensions.

Enter the cap-flush Bears with evident needs on their defensive line.

Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Staff identified Hendrickson as one of the top trade targets for the Bears during the 2025 offseason and even pitched a trade they would "love to see" that would bring the 30-year-old to the NFC North.

The trade: The Bears would send their 2025 third-round pick (No. 72) to the Bengals in exchange for the contract-seeking Hendrickson in a blockbuster.

"Ben Johnson brought on Dennis Allen as defensive coordinator. Hendrickson's initial breakout campaign happened in the 2020 season in Allen's defense with 13.5 sacks," BR's staff wrote. "It would be fun to see the veteran help Allen bring his defense to Chicago."

The Bears are projected to have roughly $62.9 million in cap space for the 2025 season, but they could add nearly $10 million more cutting veterans Ryan Bates and Gerald Everett. That would give them plenty of room to sign Hendrickson to a top-of-market extension that could surpass $25 million annually.

While the Bears already have one of the league's highest-paid defensive ends on their books in Montez Sweat ($24.5 million annually), taking a swing on Hendrickson would transform their defensive front into an immediate strength.

The Bears could also justify giving up their third-rounder for Hendrickson given that they have the 10th overall pick and two high-end seconds (Nos. 39 and 41) to help address their other roster needs during the 2025 NFL draft.

The Bears' perceived window for contention would have to factor into the decision, but general manager Ryan Poles may feel that now is the time for significant defensive investments with Caleb Williams on his rookie deal.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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