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Why is Trey Hendrickson still a free agent? Who should sign him?
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- Why is Trey Hendrickson still a free agent? Who should sign him?
Trey Hendrickson and a lucrative long-term deal might as well be the NFL-equivalent of trying to mix oil and water.
Turns out, the lack of motivation for Hendrickson contract isn't just a Cincinnati Bengals thing. That's what the market is dictating, at least in the early stages of free agency. While the star pass-rusher is in contact with multiple teams, none of them appear ready to meet his price, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter during an appearance on "Get Up" on March 10 .
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"You see the Houston Texans go out and give Danielle Hunter a $40 million dollar-a-year extension ," Schefter said. "You see yesterday the Carolina Panthers shocked the NFL and gave Jaelan Phillips $30 million dollars a year .
" Trey Hendrickson sees himself in the company of those kinds of players, and so you would think that there would be a corresponding contract in that vicinity. But if there's not a team out there that's willing to give you 40 or 30 million dollars, sometimes it takes a player a little bit of time to understand how the market works like that, and to accept that just because Danielle Hunter might get 40, you might not get 40. Just because Jaelan Phillips gets 30 doesn't mean you'll get 30."
There is no end in sight either, since the star is, once again, set to dig in.
"He's a very strong-minded, prideful person," Schefter added. "He wants to get his price. Until it feels like it does, he's not willing to compromise on that."
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Hendrickson's contract situation remains one of the more well-documented sagas in recent memory. The defender has been in search of a long-term extension for multiple seasons, but never received one from the Bengals. Cincinnati elected to let the star hit free agency, rather than franchise tag him.
He is the best available player left ahead of the official opening of free agency, according to USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis . Here's a look at some landing spots that make sense for Hendrickson after the first wave of free agency:
Trey Hendrickson landing spots
Chicago Bears
The Bears were often connected with the Maxx Crosby sweepstakes before the Raiders dealt the star to the Ravens . Luckily for Chicago, Hendrickson only costs money and not draft pick compensation. And when it comes to Hendrickson, the Bears could tap into some old connections to get some help on the edge.
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The Bears defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen, was Hendrickson's DC during his time with the Saints . In this case, need meets familiarity and that can't be overlooked.
Indianapolis Colts
Similar to the Bears, the Colts also have a big connection to Hendrickson that plays a major role. Lou Anarumo was the mind behind the defense that saw Hendrickson finish with back-to-back seasons with 17.5 sacks – the best of the defender's career.
Indianapolis jumped out to an 8-2 start in 2025 before it all came crashing down for the team to finish 8-9. Hendrickson's history with Anarumo would boost the defense's outlook, especially for a team that doesn't have first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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Los Angeles Chargers
All the money in the world and nothing to spend it on. It's a nice problem to have in the real world, but not in the NFL. The Chargers watched Odafe Oweh depart for the Commanders , opening up a hole on the edge. LA has the third-most cap space in the league with $66.8 million, according to OverTheCap .
Considering the first wave of free agency has come and gone, the Chargers could afford to splurge on someone like Hendrickson without compromising future flexibility.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
How about a homecoming for the Florida native? The Bucs already lost Mike Evans on offense and there is still a need on defense for Todd Bowles' team. Tampa could use that extra money to invest in the pass-rusher, who might enjoy the lack of a state tax in his home state.
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Tennessee Titans
The Titans have money to spend and they aren't afraid to show it. The credit card is getting a workout to begin free agency, but Tennessee might want to dive into the market that doesn't include former Jets and Giants players at some point.
Robert Saleh certainly loves his pass-rushers and he can add to a group that already acquired Jermaine Johnson this offseason. Like the Chargers, they can easily handle a larger cap hit without sacrificing future flexibility.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trey Hendrickson's landing spots reduced by price tag, age
