The Seattle Seahawks already added former second-team All-Pro edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence in free agency this offseason. But could the Seahawks also add 2024 first-team All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson?
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah didn’t rule out the possibility when asked about it during a radio interview this week. In fact, Jeremiah strongly argued the Seahawks should consider pursuing the Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher.
“I know you’ve got to pay him a bunch of money, but heck yeah, man,” Jeremiah said on Seattle Sports’ Brock and Salk on Wednesday. “I’d be in the business of trying to collect great players. (The Seahawks have) a fast defense. They’ve got a very talented defense. But man, you throw in a guy like that who’s gonna get off the bus and get you 12 to 15 sacks because he’s such a good, natural, instinctive pass rusher? And you’re in a division where you’ve gotta go hunt Matthew Stafford?
“Yeah, 100 percent. I would try and be in on that.”
Hendrickson has been the subject of trade rumors because the edge rusher is set to enter the final year of his contract with Cincinnati. The Bengals signed Hendrickson to a one-year extension worth $21 million to keep him through 2025.
However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the two sides aren’t close on agreeing to a long-term deal.
Hendrickson led the NFL with 17.5 sacks last season, as he made first-team All-Pro for the first time. With 19 tackles for loss, 36 quarterback hits, six pass defenses and two forced fumbles, Hendrickson also finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
The Bengals edge rusher also had 17.5 sacks in 2023.
Why the Seahawks Should Pursue Edge Rusher Trey Hendrickson
The answer to why Seattle could be interested in Hendrickson is rather obvious. There’s about 25-30 teams in the league that should be considering adding the Bengals edge rusher.
He doesn’t have the same notoriety as other elite edge rushers such as Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt. It’s easy for Hendrickson to get overshadowed because both Garrett and Watt play in the same division.
But Hendrickson’s 35 sacks the past two seasons is more than either of those two other AFC North pass rushers.
A trade for Hendrickson will require giving the 2024 All-Pro a big contract extension. But NFL teams shouldn’t hesitate to pay the Bengals edge rusher, who has grown into one of the top defensive playmakers in the league.
Jeremiah argued Hendrickson could take Seattle’s defense to the next level.
“They’re a good defense now,” Jeremiah added. “They’re a fast defense and they’re athletic and they’ve added some more young pieces. But when you get down to it, when you get to third-and-seven and you’re looking at this front, you go, OK, man, there’s a lot of really good players there.
“But I don’t know that I’m looking at that group saying, OK, this is percent where I’ve got to direct extra attention. And I think he would be that guy.”
Seahawks Edge Rushing Depth
Seattle already has a rather crowded edge rushing room, so a Hendrickson trade is probably unlikely.
As previously mentioned, Seattle added Lawrence in free agency. He will join a group of edge rushers with the Seahawks that includes Uchenna Nwosu, Boye Mafe and Derick Hall.
Seattle also has former top 10 pick and defensive end Leonard Williams.
It’s difficult to project where Hendrickson might fit. If the Seahawks do actually pursue a trade with the Bengals, Seattle could send one of its edge rushers to Cincinnati in the deal.
That would create an opening for Hendrickson to receive playing time in Seattle. That might be ideal for Cincinnati too, as the Bengals would get a cheaper replacement for Hendrickson.
This summer, Seattle’s offseason roster also includes edge rushers Jamie Sheriff, Tyreke Smith, Seth Coleman, Jared Ivey, Connor O’Toole, and Jalan Gaines.
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