The New England Patriots are at a pivotal crossroads, eyeing potential trades while keeping the draft and free agency in their playbook. With their sights set on bolstering their pass rush, Trey Hendrickson emerges as a prime target among the available star pass rushers. It's clear that the Patriots are determined to address their biggest need: putting more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Last year's unexpected leap to the Super Bowl has fans wondering if it was a one-off or the beginning of another dominant era for the franchise. To keep the momentum going, enhancing their defensive line is crucial.
The Patriots have identified edge rusher as their top priority for the 2026 season. While they’re interested in bringing back K’Lavon Chaisson, his return is uncertain due to a potentially lucrative free-agent market.
As one league insider noted, "Chaisson’s looking to get paid," which could complicate his future in New England. Coupled with concerns about Harold Landry's age and injury history, the Patriots are eager to refresh their defensive roster.
Enter Trey Hendrickson, who could be the game-changer the Patriots need. For the right price, he would provide a formidable boost to their pass-rushing capabilities.
However, his availability remains in question, as the Bengals have yet to make a definitive decision on his future. Duke Tobin, the Bengals' director of player personnel, emphasized the uncertainty: "He's a good football player.
So, is there a chance he'll be with us? We're in the business of good football players, so I can't rule it out."
While the franchise tag for Hendrickson seems unlikely, the Bengals are still weighing their options. Tobin added, "In terms of the tag, we're still moving through that. We have resources, and how we deploy them are things that will come out."
As the offseason unfolds, the Patriots' strategy will be crucial in determining whether they can sustain their success and make another deep playoff run. With the right moves, they could solidify their defense and keep the rest of the league on notice.