3 trade packages Patriots could offer Bengals for Trey Hendrickson
Not surprising.
The Patriots have a clear need for a true No. 1 edge rusher, and Hendrickson is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. Adding a playmaker of that caliber to the defense would take things to another level. Imagine a defensive front loaded to the teeth with Christian Barmore, Milton Williams, Keion White, Harold Landry III, K'Lavon Chaisson and Hendrickson.
That's the kind of defensive firepower that could cause real problems for even a top-tier team like the Buffalo Bills. With that said, the Bengals' reported asking price of a young defender and 2026 first-round draft pick is exceptionally steep.
I have my doubts that they'll get a first-round pick in return for a 30-year-old Hendrickson, but if they're serious about trading him—and at this point, they should be—they could get some solid value in return for an elite player.
Here are three trade packages the Patriots could offer the Bengals for Hendrickson:
2026 second-round draft pick and S Kyle Dugger
The Bengals could use a helping hand in their defensive backfield, and it just so happens that Kyle Dugger could be on his way out in New England. It would be surprising if the Patriots aren't already working behind the scenes searching for a trade partner to move Dugger.
They are loaded at safety, and the former longtime starter is currently repping with the second and third-team units. The biggest get in this deal is the second-round pick that could be used to fill another position of need for the Bengals in 2026.
There is no getting an exact return in value for Hendrickson at this point. If they're hoping to get that in return, they would have been better off just paying Hendrickson.
2026 second-round draft pick and EDGE Anfernee Jennings
Anfernee Jennings is a talented player who doesn't feel like a scheme fit for coach Mike Vrabel and the Patriots. He is good enough to be starting elsewhere for another team.
The Bengals would get a second-round draft pick and another good player to help smooth things over on defense. Jennings flashed his potential by racking up three sacks in last Saturday's preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings.
No, he isn't an elite pass rusher, but he's a dependable run stuffer who can occasionally put heat on opposing quarterbacks. He's an every-down veteran playmaker who will find ways to contribute.
2026 second-round draft pick and 2026 fourth-round draft pick
This would be the most enticing deal of the three for the Bengals. The Patriots would still keep their first-round draft pick, but they would unload their second and fourth-round picks for a defensive game-changer in Hendrickson.
The Bengals would have to accept the fact that their defense will likely be atrocious in 2025, which is something they were probably going to have to do anyway. They could then use the two draft picks to begin their rebuild of the neglected unit.
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