The Trey Hendrickson saga has quickly become one of the NFL’s most intriguing storylines of the 2025 offseason.
With contract negotiations stalled and his patience running thin, Hendrickson has made it clear to the Bengals he won’t take the field without a reworked deal. That standoff has opened the door for a trade, and teams around the league—perhaps none more than the Green Bay Packers—should be watching closely.
DraftKings Sportsbook has the Packers tied for the fifth-best odds (+1000) to trade for him.
“The Colts and Packers each hold +1000 odds of making the trade for the Bengals’ star, but they are in very different places as a franchise,” Sean Barnard of DraftKings Network wrote on August 17, adding:
“Indianapolis is no closer to figuring out its long-term quarterback outlook, while the Packers are looking to capitalize on the uncertainty of the Lions in the NFC North. The Colts were tied for the seventh-fewest sacks last year, with the Cincinnati Bengals, while the Packers ranked eighth in the league in this category last season.
Hendrickson Would Completely Change How Teams Prepare for Green Bay
GettyTrey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals could be a trade target for the Packers.
Since joining the Bengals in 2021, Hendrickson has steadily become one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers. He had a career-high 17.5 sacks in 2023, and his 2024 campaign was a repeat affair, as Hendrickson once again led the league with 17.5 sacks, also adding 46 tackles, six passes defensed and forced two fumbles while earning First-Team All-Pro honors for the first time.
Over his four seasons in Cincy, Hendrickson has amassed 57.0 sacks, 155 total tackles (53 for loss), 112 QB hits and 11 forced fumbles. His consistency and ability to wreck games has led to four consecutive Pro Bowl nods (2021–2024).
He’s set to earn roughly $15.8–$16 million this season—well below what top-tier edge rushers like Myles Garrett make— and despite his elite production, the Bengals have now reopened trade discussions. But Cincinnati’s asking price remains steep: they’re seeking an impact player or two plus a high draft pick, likely a second-rounder according to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero.
Why the Packers Should Trade for Trey Hendrickson
For the Packers, Hendrickson is the kind of rare player who could change the outlook of their defense overnight. He’s a proven, high-floor veteran pass rusher who would bring immediate production and leadership to the edge.
His ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks on his own would not only elevate Green Bay’s pass rush but also take pressure off a young and inexperienced secondary. More importantly, he has postseason experience and a consistent track record of performing in high-stakes games—qualities the Packers have sometimes lacked in recent playoff runs.
There’s also the bigger-picture fit to consider. Green Bay has traditionally been cautious with splashy trades for non-quarterbacks, but the timing here makes sense. The edge rusher market is only getting more expensive with younger stars like Micah Parsons set to reset the bar.
Hendrickson would offer elite production without requiring a long-term gamble on development (see: Lukas Van Ness). For a team with playoff aspirations and a roster already built to contend, adding a four-time Pro Bowler at a position of need could push the Packers closer to NFC supremacy.
The Bengals’ asking price may be high, but opportunities to acquire an All-Pro pass rusher in his prime don’t come around often. If the Packers are serious about chasing another Super Bowl in the Jordan Love era, making a move for Hendrickson might be the swing they need to make.
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