As the NFL offseason heats up, all eyes in Western New York are on Brandon Beane. The Buffalo Bills' general manager is heading into a pivotal stretch, tasked with finding the right pieces to elevate a team that’s already among the AFC’s elite. But as Beane works to fine-tune the roster, there’s one variable he can’t control - what the rest of the division does, especially in New England.
The Patriots have reemerged as a threat in the AFC East, reclaiming the division crown - at least for now - and they’re not exactly limping into free agency. With over $42 million in cap space, per Over The Cap, and Mike Vrabel now steering the ship, New England has both the resources and direction to make serious noise this offseason. That’s a concerning thought for Bills fans who’ve grown used to seeing Buffalo atop the division.
One move in particular could tilt the balance even further: the potential addition of Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson to the Patriots' front seven.
According to Dalton Wasserman of Pro Football Focus, Hendrickson could be the piece that takes New England’s defense from formidable to downright frightening. The Patriots already boast one of the league’s best interior pass rushes, but their edge unit lagged behind in 2025 - ranking 29th in PFF’s pass-rush grade and dead last in pass-rush win rate. That’s where Hendrickson comes in.
For the past five seasons, Hendrickson has been one of the most consistent and disruptive edge rushers in the NFL. He’s not flashy - he’s just relentless. His motor, technique, and ability to win one-on-one matchups make him a nightmare for offensive tackles and a dream fit for a Patriots defense that thrives on pressure and discipline.
Now imagine that defense - the same one that held Seattle to just one true touchdown in the Super Bowl - adding Hendrickson to a front that already features Christian Barmore and Milton Williams. That’s a problem. And for Buffalo, it’s a problem that could quickly turn into a recurring headache.
It’s not just about stopping Josh Allen anymore. If Hendrickson joins forces with Barmore and Williams, the Bills’ offensive line will have its hands full every snap. That’s before even mentioning the offensive talent New England is developing - with names like Drake Maye and TreVeyon Henderson getting ready to make their mark.
Of course, all of this hinges on whether Hendrickson actually hits the open market. The Bengals could still find a way to keep him in Cincinnati, but last offseason’s drama between the two sides suggests a split might be on the horizon. If that happens, the Bills - and the rest of the AFC East - will be watching closely to see where he lands.
Because if it’s Foxborough? That’s a whole new challenge for a Buffalo team that’s already navigating one of the toughest divisions in football.