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The seemingly never-ending saga between Trey Hendrickson and the Cincinnati Bengals persists.
After requesting a trade, holding out for a new contract throughout the summer and taking his frustrations public, Hendrickson ultimately returned to the field before Week 1 on a revised contract -- but the deal only lasts through 2025, putting him on track to hit free agency in the spring.
With the Bengals on the outside-looking-in when it comes to the playoff picture and Joe Burrow's return still a ways away, could the standout pass-rusher be on the move ahead of the Nov. 4 trade deadline?
If Cincinnati finally gives in and takes offers for its defensive centerpiece, there are no shortage of teams in need of pass-rushers for the stretch run.
Here's a look at the top five landing spots for Hendrickson ahead of the trade deadline.
MORE: NFL trade deadline predictions
Trey Hendrickson landing spots
Washington Commanders
First, the Washington Commanders have a decision to make about their viability as a playoff contender this season. A healthy Jayden Daniels after their bye would put them in position to win some games, but the hole they have dug themselves into could already give the front office some pause about giving up major assets to improve the roster right now.
Or, the Commanders can do what the Chicago Bears did two years and acquire a pass-rusher in a non-contending year with plans to pay him what he wants. That's what the Bears did with Montez Sweat, who coincidentally came over from the Commanders.
If Washington wants to compete for a Super Bowl in 2026, the pass-rush has to be better. While the current unit has overachieved its talent level this season, leading sack-getter Dorance Armstrong Jr. is out for the remainder of the season and no other pass-rusher is going to strike fear into opposing NFC offenses. Hendrickson would instantly give the Commanders a one-man wrecking crew, even if he requires a new contract.
Dallas Cowboys
It's no secret the Dallas Cowboys could use a pass-rusher. Owner Jerry Jones has publicly floated the idea of flipping some of the draft assets acquired for Micah Parsons for a high-impact defensive player. Ignoring the irony there, Hendrickson could fit that bill.
The Cowboys likely still see themselves as playoff contenders this season, but if they are honest with themselves, they likely also know the path to the playoffs requires better defensive play. Hendrickson alone can't fix that -- just look at how the Bengals' defense performed in 2024 -- but Dallas could look to extend him long-term and try to surround him with quality players in the offseason.
MORE: 11 NFL trade deadline deals that playoff contenders need to make
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers may not be in desperate need of a pass-rusher with Khalil Mack healthy again next to Tuli Tuipulotu, but a Hendrickson trade and extension could give them a clean replacement for Mack after the veteran considered retirement this past offseason.
A Hendrickson-Mack-Tuipulotu trio would give the Chargers one of the most dangerous pass-rush units in the AFC as they try to keep pace with the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West. Hendrickson would give L.A. a cornerstone to keep building around in 2026 and beyond if he signed a new contract.
Chicago Bears
Montez Sweat has not lived up to expectations with the Bears since the start of last season, which had Chicago fans clamoring for Micah Parsons in August. It was the rival Green Bay Packers who landed Parsons, so a Hendrickson deal for the Bears would only make sense as they try to capitalize on a solid start to the season.
Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo have combined for only four sacks this season, with interior defensive lineman Gervon Dexter's 3.5 sacks leading the Bears through seven games. Ryan Poles may be admitting failure by making it clear Sweat and Odeyingbo are both falling short of their salaries, but if he wants to win, a game-changer such as Hendrickson is needed.
MORE: Best trade for all 32 teams to make at 2025 NFL trade deadline
Carolina Panthers
Even after a nice start to the season, Carolina Panthers would be looking more toward 2026 and a brand new contract if they acquired Hendrickson. Hendrickson alone probably isn't going to move the needle for the Panthers and make them a serious NFC contender, to say the least, but something has to be done at some point to address a defense that ranks 27th in sacks per game.
Carolina's two leading sack-getters aren't primarily pass-rushers, leaving rookie Nic Scourton and his two sacks to lead the way among full-time pass-rushers. If not now, the Panthers need to plan to upgrade that unit, and Hendrickson would be a quick way to do it.
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