Trade Idea Links All-Pro Pass Rusher to Patriots

Contract negotiations between defensive end Trey Hendrickson and the Cincinnati Bengals have been a staple of the offseason – and have played a part in offseason news cycles over the past few years.

While Hendrickson continues to produce, the two parties have yet to strike a deal, even though the Bengals inked two of their biggest offensive stars, wideouts Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, to big-money extensions in March. 

Trade speculation for Hendrickson has increased as contract talks have drawn longer, causing many figures in the football world to expect that a deal could be done. For the time being, NFL.com senior news writer Mike Patra remains in the camp that thinks a Hendrickson trade has a low probability of happening.

But he believes that, should the Bengals opt to trade Hendrickson, the New England Patriots could emerge as an ideal suitor, given their desire to take over the Buffalo Bills' top spot in the AFC East.

"The Bengals are unlikely to be interested in moving Hendrickson, as that's not how they roll. However, if there is a divorce, New England is a good new partner. Mike Vrabel could use a legit No. 1 edge to anchor his defense, and the Pats still have cap space," Patra wrote. "Sure, they've shelled out a lot on D already this offseason, but they should continue to take big swings while Drake Maye is still on a rookie deal. Adding Hendrickson would get them a big stride closer to threatening the Bills' divisional dominance."