Trey Hendrickson is not interested in continuing to live in the jungle.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Cincinnati Bengals’ top pass rusher was granted permission to pursue a trade. It’s the most recent in a long line of tiger-striped, disgruntled celebrities.
Earlier this week, the Bengals dealt with the fallout from Hendrickson’s decision after franchise tagging Tee Higgins for the second consecutive year. His future is uncertain because the two parties have not been able to agree on an extension.
This offseason, Joe Burrow has made it clear to the Bengals that he wants to keep the team together.
Considering the expensive extensions their players would receive, Cincinnati’s past would indicate otherwise. Burrow signed his lucrative contract last year, but Higgins, Hendrickson, and Ja’Marr Chase—who is rapidly approaching a new contract of his own—are also waiting for their piece of the action.
Hendrickson appears to be the standout candidate. Here are some potential destinations for Hendrickson should Cincinnati decide to trade him, even though most teams in the league would want to sign a player of his calibre.
Trey Hendrickson landing spots
Chicago Bears
This offseason, the Bears are remodelling, and thus far, everything is proceeding as planned. They made two trades for offensive linemen and hired Ben Johnson, who was arguably the best coaching candidate available. In order to shield Caleb Williams during his sophomore campaign, Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson ought to offer a welcome boost up front. Chicago can now start working on the opposing team.
Hendrickson positions himself as the ideal player to fit into that defence because he has cap space and a coaching staff that supports building through the trenches. The Bears could sign Cincinnati’s star to complete the deal a year after acquiring Montgomery Sweat to strengthen their defensive front.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC championship game, one victory away from an unlikely trip to the Super Bowl. Jayden Daniels, the rookie quarterback, was anything but good in his first season, they found out. No one will ignore Washington in 2025, but last year was unexpected.
Expect the Commanders to load up this offseason, and with money to spend, this makes plenty of sense.
Philadelphia Eagles
When top players become available, the Super Bowl champions are a team that cannot be undervalued, regardless of the NFC East. This conversation is always about Howie Roseman. It is not impossible for Philadelphia to sign Hendrickson to a team-friendly contract for 2025, given the possibility of losing Milton Williams and Josh Sweat to free agency.
The Eagles and Myles Garrett have been the subject of rumours, but given Cleveland’s insistence that they won’t trade him and the high cost of a significant extension like that, a deal there seems unlikely. Without going over budget this season, Hendrickson could strengthen one of the league’s top defences and be crucial to Philadelphia’s attempt to win the title again.
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals have plenty of cap space, a head coach who prioritises defence, and a team that seems to be in the middle. A somewhat forgotten NFL team, acquiring Hendrickson would not only significantly improve a defence that is in dire need of some pass-rushers, but it might also raise the ceiling of a team hoping to make it back into the postseason.
Given that they have only had one successful season in the previous nine years, Jonathan Gannon may want to follow in the footsteps of his former Philadelphia employer and target some celebrities.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have a tonne of cap space to work with after cutting Joey Bosa. Los Angeles can begin building on their success from the previous season as they begin Jim Harbaugh’s second season. Additionally, there’s no assurance that Khalil Mack will return, which could allow a pass rusher to waltz through the door.
The Chargers’ defence would be greatly improved by acquiring Hendrickson, particularly as they attempt to stay competitive in the fiercely competitive AFC West.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars want to lay a strong foundation for Liam Coen, their new head coach, which may come as a surprise on the list. James Gladstone, a former member of the Los Angeles Rams organisation, was also recently hired by Jacksonville to serve as their general manager. By acquiring players, Les Snead infamously assembled the Rams’ Super Bowl-winning squad, which defeated Hendrickson’s Bengals.
Hendrickson was born and raised in Florida, even going to college there. Jacksonville can’t be ruled out because they have a lot of cap space to work with and a strong desire to start winning at last.