Add Trey Hendrickson to the list of available pass rushers this offseason.
He’ll come at a steep price — both in terms draft picks and salary.
The Bengals granted their star defensive end, who led the NFL in sacks and pressures last year, the ability to explore a trade Thursday. Hendrickson has one year left on his contract, but whomever agrees to send draft picks for him likely will also have to immediately negotiate a contract extension that could be the highest in the NFL for a non-quarterback. Just Wednesday, the Raiders made defensive end Maxx Crosby the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league, giving him a three-year, $106.5 million contract extension. His average of $35.5 million per year beat out that of Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson by $500,000.
The Bears need a pass rusher and have both the money and draft picks to at least entertain the idea. Hendrickson played for current Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen in New Orleans from 2017-20.
The Bears hold their own first three picks plus the Panthers’ second-rounder. A Hendrickson trade would likely cost at least a second-round pick and sixth-round pick, which is what the Chargers sent the Bears for Khalil Mack three years ago.
After trading for two offensive linemen this week, the Bears’ effective cap space plummeted from the top five in the NFL to 14th, per Over the Cap.
Hendrickson requested a trade last summer, too, seeking a contract extension. The team is trying to negotiate extensions with receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
