Trey Hendrickson trade rumors: Patriots could make a slash on Bengals edge rusher with $60,435,177 in cap space

Trey Hendrickson is the anchor of Cincinnati's defense. The defensive end was selected by the Saints in the third round in 2017, and after four years in New Orleans, he joined the Bengals.

Recently, there were rumors that linked Hendrickson to the New England Patriots, which caught the attention of many football fans. While Cincinnati might not be interested in moving the 2024 NFL sacks leader, the team hasn't tied him down. The franchise has extended contracts to its other stars like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

This is where New England comes in. The Patriots have $60,435,177 in cap space for the 2025 season, so they can easily bring the defensive end in. The team has Drake Maye on a rookie deal, but Mark Vrabel could use a star like Hendrickson to solidify the defense.

Hendrickson had an amazing 2024 season. While he made zero interceptions, the star defensive end recorded 33 solo tackles, two forced fumbles and 17.5 sacks. His performance earned him a place in the All-Pro First Team and the Pro Bowl.

Bengals star DE Trey Hendrickson may sit out the 2025 NFL season

Despite being one of the best defensive ends in the game, Trey Hendrickson may not play next season. The reason for this is his reported contract dispute with Cincinnati.

The star defensive end wants to commit to the team with a long-term, big-money contract, but the Bengals have been hesitant to give him such a deal. NFL insider Jeremy Fowler believes Hendrickson may sit out if he doesn't receive a new one before the campaign starts.

"If no deal occurs, I've spoken to several people who believe Hendrickson very well might follow through on his promise to miss games or even the season," Fowler wrote on May 28, via ESPN. "He's extremely dug in, a source said."

Training camp starts in July, and without a new contract, Hendrickson's availability for next season remains up in the air.