Packers Linked to Blockbuster Trade for $21 Million 77-Sack Pass Rusher

With the exception of Rashan Gary, who seems to be coming into his own as a disruptive presence along the Packers’ pass rush, Green Bay is largely hoping that players such as Lukas Van Ness and rookie Barryn Sorrell prove capable of wreaking havoc in opposing backfields.

Enter, Hendrickson.

While it would seem unlikely that the Bengals are imminently trying to trade Hendrickson, that could change at the trade deadline, especially if Cincinnati falls out of contention in the hyper-competitive AFC North, or if no progress is made over the next four months on extending his $21 million contract.

Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon suggests the Packers could be an ideal trade partner to snag Hendrickson in a deadline blockbuster.

“The most realistic scenario involves several NFC pass rush-needy contenders pursuing Hendrickson,” Gagnon writes for B/R. “As Cincinnati would probably want to avoid dealing him within the conference.

“It works out well that the Commanders, Packers and Lions are probably the teams that best fit the need profile here. The Packers have more of a need here than the Lions and more cap room than the Commanders. Ergo, they win these sweepstakes.”

Green Bay’s combination of cap space, need, and desire to make strides on losing in the NFC Wild Card round last season could be the perfect storm for GM Brian Gutekunst to pounce, should Hendrickson become available.

Through his first eight NFL seasons, Hendrickson has posted 77 sacks, and would be an instant and substantial upgrade along the Packers’ front-seven.