He’s armed with a ton of space under the salary cap, but New England Patriots general manager Eliot Wolf has something more important. A willingness to trade premium 2026 NFL draft picks if the right opportunity is available.
Wolf told reporters on Monday, August 18, including The 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov, he would be willing to give up a first- or second-round pick “if there’s a player out there that we feel like can help us, and if it costs that, then we would consider doing that.”
Those comments are timely when a familiar Patriots trade target is now known to be available at the right price. It’s Trey Hendrickson, the All-Pro edge-rusher being shopped by the Cincinnati Bengals.
Hendrickson is one of two marquee names on the trade market who would answer a major pressing need for the Pats. A need greater than acquiring a prolific wide receiver, something that’s no longer a priority thanks to a breakout rookie.
Patriots Need Trey Hendrickson Trade
There’s a reason why Hendrickson is touted as a trade candidate so often for the Patriots. The four-time Pro Bowler represents a guaranteed upgrade at a position of obvious need.
Hendrickson is a physically imposing game-wrecker. One with the power to create pressure from the inside, as well as the quickness to win off the edge.
Those qualities have helped Hendrickson pile up 77 career sacks. Yet, despite his talent and production, the Bengals “have been actively engaged in trade discussions” about the 30-year-old, according to Dianna Russini and Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic.
Russini included an interesting note about the Bengals wanting more than “draft capital in return; they’re also targeting defensive players in a potential deal.”
The Patriots are in a strong position to meet Cincy’s demands. Not only is Wolf prepared to forego a high draft choice, but a veteran starter’s no longer a scheme fit and finds himself on the roster bubble.
Flipping outside linebacker Anfernee Jennings and a top pick for Hendrickson would be smart business by Wolf. It would give head coach Mike Vrabel and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams the elite edge-rusher they are missing.
None of Harold Landry III, Keion White nor K’Lavon Chaisson can match Hendrickson’s ability take over games and notch quarterback takedowns in bunches. Those things are more valuable to this rebuilding team than another wideout.
Patriots Trade Plans Shouldn’t Focus on Wide Receiver
There are credible options available at the position, notably Washington Commanders five-time 1,000-yard star Terry McLaurin, but the Patriots don’t need a new wide receiver. Not when undrafted rookie Efton Chism III is close to nailing down a roster spot.
Chism won’t be the No. 1 receiver, but All-Pro Stefon Diggs still qualifies as one of those when healthy, despite opinions to the contrary. Diggs back at full speed will provide the perfect complement to slot specialists Chism and DeMario Douglas, who should both thrive in coordinator Josh McDaniels’ offense tailored to inside receivers.
Add in 2025 NFL draft third-round pick Kyle Williams, who has starter’s potential, along with holdover Kayshon Boutte, and the Pats have what they need at receiver. Enough to focus any trade resources on acquiring a proven pass-rushing savant like Hendrickson or even disgruntled Dallas Cowboys roving menace Micah Parsons.
The latter is committed to getting a trade, and the Patriots make sense as a suitor because of their league-leading $59,940,392 worth of cap space, per Spotrac.com. Not to mention Wolf being prepared to offer what should be a compensation package laden with first- and second-round value.
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