One other day, one other massive title on the NFL commerce market. The Cincinnati Bengals entered the 2025 offseason aiming to safe three of their prime gamers with long-term contracts, together with move rusher Trey Hendrickson. Now, with free company across the nook, the membership has given Hendrickson permission to hunt a commerce.

This is not the primary time Hendrickson has sought a recent begin, because the veteran defensive finish additionally requested a commerce forward of the 2024 season, solely to return and lead the NFL in sacks (17.5). The first holdup between Hendrickson and the Bengals: The sting rusher is approaching the ultimate 12 months of his contract, and he is reportedly been looking for a pay elevate since additionally logging 17.5 sacks in 2023. 

On CBS Sports activities HQ, CBS Sports activities NFL insider Jonathan Jones cited a few league executives who surmised Hendrickson’s commerce worth could be one thing just like the Khalil Mack commerce to the Chargers again in 2022. Again then, Mack went for a second-round choose. Nonetheless, as a result of Mack was already beneath contract, Hendrickson’s worth could also be nearer to a third-round choose as a consequence of him additionally looking for an extension. 

The place would possibly the four-time Professional Bowler find yourself in 2025? Even at 30 years previous, in the hunt for an elevated wage, Hendrickson ought to have a formidable market due to his manufacturing. So here is a rundown of probably the most logical touchdown spots, preserving in thoughts Hendrickson is already owed greater than $18 million this 12 months:

5. Atlanta Falcons

This might take some critical salary-cap gymnastics, however the Falcons want edge-rushing assist like no different, they usually’ve seen Hendrickson do injury firsthand, beforehand enjoying in opposition to the previous New Orleans Saints prospect within the NFC South. Normal supervisor Terry Fontenot was additionally on employees with the Saints when Hendrickson was drafted and developed right into a Professional Bowler.

4. Indianapolis Colts

The Colts spent an early choose on Laiatu Latu simply final offseason, and Kwity Paye has been a gradual starter on the opposite facet. Indy ranked simply twenty fifth in sacks in 2024, nevertheless, and new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo ran the Bengals’ protection when Cincinnati spent massive bucks to lure Hendrickson from the Saints, then oversaw every of Hendrickson’s prolific seasons within the AFC North.

3. Inexperienced Bay Packers

After dealing Preston Smith through the 2024 season, the Packers might use a confirmed counterpart for Rashan Gary and the younger Lukas Van Ness off the sting. They’ve additionally bought loads of cash to spend, with greater than $46 million in projected 2025 cap house. Filling their pass-rushing want by way of commerce would probably additionally permit them to deal with addressing cornerback in free company.

2. Chicago Bears

The Bears simply gave up picks — and a giant contract — to Montez Sweat in 2023, however they may use one other confirmed edge presence. And so they’ve already confirmed keen to half with picks for instant assist this offseason. New Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen additionally has a historical past with Hendrickson, serving the identical position with the Saints when the move rusher made a reputation for himself in New Orleans.

1. Washington Commanders

The Commanders simply labored the cellphone strains to land Deebo Samuel, however they solely surrendered a fifth-round choose to bolster their extensive receiver room. They might nonetheless use a bona fide move rusher for Dan Quinn’s protection, they usually’re additionally nonetheless flush with cap house, projected to enter free company with greater than $60 million at their disposal. If Washington is critical about contending, he’d be a fast repair up entrance.