Last week, NFL sack leader Trey Hendrickson was given permission from the Cincinnati Bengals to seek a trade.
And look who needs a pass-rusher? The Arizona Cardinals. Arizona needs to upgrade its defensive line this offseason, and it is arguably the team's top priority. With Khalil Mack no longer available, the Cardinals should do everything possible to land Hendrickson.
Hendrickson, a defensive end who registered 17.5 sacks in 2024, was named to his first All-Pro team. He also had 17.5 sacks in 2023. He has been named to four consecutive Pro Bowls.
He knows how to get to the quarterback.
Cardinals should push for Trey Hendrickson trade to fix pass rush
Hendrickson's strength is his quickness off the edge. He is 6-foot-4, 270 pounds. He also is durable, having started 63 of 65 games in his four seasons with the Bengals.
His pass-rush grade was 90.4 by Pro Football Focus, the fifth-best among edge rushers in the NFL. His overall grade was 88.1, eighth-best among edge-rushers in the league.
Hendrickson's age might give teams pause. He is 30 years old, perhaps close to the end of his prime. He has one year remaining on his contract and is due $15.8 million in base salary, which would count for $18.6 million against the cap. He reportedly is interested in a pricy contract extension.
That would be a fistful of money, but he gives a team a boatload of production. Hendrickson has 77 sacks and 220 tackles in 110 games over eight seasons.
Cincinnati decided to let Hendrickson test the trade market after franchise-tagging star wide receiver Tee Higgins. They hope to agree to a long-term contract.
Arizona could benefit from Cincinnati's financial situation. The Cardinals probably would have to return a second- or third-round draft pick to acquire Hendrickson. Teams covet draft picks, but if all it takes to land the NFL's sack leader is a second or third, the Cardinals should start the negotiations.
Another factor: Expect Hendrickson to attract serious attention from around the league. The Detroit Lions, for example, need an edge-rusher. Hendrickson could be intrigued by a Lions team that earned the bye as the NFC's top team last year.
Detroit defensive end Aiden Hutchinson is recovering from a broken leg, but a return to health from the former Michigan star, paired with Hendrickson, could be a formidable force on the field. Plus, Detroit could be an attractive location for Hendrickson to call home, *and* have a legitimate shot at a Super Bowl.
The Cardinals could face competition, but it would be a home-run move.