Trey Hendrickson remains top free agent defensive end target. [Image Source: HEAVY]
As of Tuesday, March 10, former Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson remains one of the few elite pass rushers still available in free agency. The Chicago Bears, having missed out on Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders, might have an opportunity to add Hendrickson to strengthen their defense, despite reports suggesting they are not actively seeking a major acquisition in free agency.
Current Status of Trey Hendrickson Among Free Agents
The Bears have not ruled out signing Hendrickson, even though ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler indicated in a report on March 8 that Chicago isn’t aggressively hunting for a high-profile pass rusher. Fowler explained,
“Yes, they could use pass-rush help,”
adding,
“But I don’t sense Chicago is desperate for a splashy pass rusher. Much will depend on price. Interior rush help could be the way to go.”
However, this perspective does not dismiss the possibility that Bears’ defensive coordinator Ben Johnson may already be pursuing Hendrickson.
Trey Hendrickson Leads List of Top Defensive Ends Available This Year
On March 10, The Athletic released its latest ranking of free agents, placing Hendrickson at the top of the list for defensive ends still on the market. Daniel Popper of The Athletic highlighted Hendrickson’s consistent impact over the past five seasons, stating,
“Hendrickson has been one of the most productive pass rushers in the NFL over the past five seasons,”
and noted,
“He has the third-most sacks in the league since 2020 with 74.5, and he played in only seven games last season due to a core-muscle injury that required surgery.”
Popper also praised Hendrickson’s playing style, explaining,
“Hendrickson plays with a relentless, urgent motor that puts crushing pressure on a tackle’s outside shoulder. He turns the corner and finishes with a straight-line burst, always hunting for the ball.”
Despite his injury-shortened recent season, Hendrickson remains a highly sought-after talent, though his financial demands are expected to be significant.
Why the Chicago Bears Could Benefit from Adding Hendrickson
In a March 7 feature for Sports Illustrated, Bryan Perez underlined why the Bears might still prioritize acquiring a premier edge rusher like Hendrickson. Perez pointed out,
Image of: Trey Hendrickson
“One logical alternative is Trey Hendrickson, one of the most productive edge rushers in the NFL over the last several seasons and a player who will be available in free agency when the legal tampering period begins,”
adding that
“If Chicago still wants to make a major move on the defensive front, Hendrickson deserves serious consideration.”
Perez emphasized the defensive struggles Chicago faced last season and suggested that landing Hendrickson could transform their pass rush. According to Spotrac, Hendrickson’s market value is around $25 million per year, positioning him among the NFL’s highest-paid edge rushers. Perez recognized the cost but noted the Bears’ recent off-season moves:
“The Bears have already created financial flexibility this offseason through several roster moves, including the release of linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and the trade of wide receiver DJ Moore.”
He concluded that
“Adding Hendrickson would accelerate the evolution of the defense and help match the offense’s timeline.”
If the Bears’ leadership is committed to swift progress, Hendrickson could be the crucial addition to boost their defensive capabilities.
