Trey Hendrickson could be on the move again-and if things line up just right, it might be a move back home.
After five seasons away from New Orleans, Hendrickson, one of the league’s most consistent pass rushers since 2021, is potentially headed for free agency. And with the Saints finally having some cap flexibility this offseason, a reunion isn’t just a feel-good story-it’s a move that could reshape the identity of their defense.
Let’s start with the facts: Hendrickson racked up 61 sacks over his five-year stint in Cincinnati, the fourth-most in the NFL during that span. Only Micah Parsons, T.J.
Watt, and Myles Garrett have posted more. That’s elite company, and Hendrickson has earned his place in it with relentless motor, refined technique, and a knack for making big plays in high-leverage moments.
But things have cooled off between Hendrickson and the Bengals. Over the last 18 months, talks around a long-term extension hit a wall.
Cincinnati, known for being cautious with big-money deals, has been hesitant to commit. Add in the hip injury that sidelined Hendrickson for 10 games in 2025, and the writing might be on the wall: he could be available.
That’s where New Orleans comes in.
The Saints’ defense in 2025 was solid-ninth in total yards allowed-but the pass rush still lacked the consistency to push the unit into elite territory. Yes, both Chase Young and Cameron Jordan posted double-digit sacks, but the pressure didn’t always show up when it mattered most.
That’s the missing piece. And Hendrickson could be the one to fill it.
Pairing Hendrickson with Young would give the Saints a one-two punch on the edge that few teams could match. Young is coming off the best season of his career, finally delivering on the potential that made him a top draft pick.
He’s explosive, disruptive, and only getting better. Hendrickson, meanwhile, brings veteran savvy and a proven track record of production.
Together, they could elevate New Orleans’ pass rush into the top 10 league-wide-something the Saints haven’t achieved in three seasons.
That kind of pressure up front changes everything. It helps a young secondary by shortening the time they have to cover.
It creates more third-and-longs, more turnovers, more momentum-shifting plays. And perhaps just as importantly, it allows the Saints to manage the workload of Cameron Jordan, who, while still effective, would benefit from a rotational role at this stage in his career.
A dominant defense also takes pressure off the offense. It creates a margin for error, allows for more balanced game plans, and brings a sense of calm to the sideline. If New Orleans can field a top-four defense-and with Hendrickson in the mix, that’s a real possibility-it changes the entire dynamic of the team.
Of course, none of this happens without the financials lining up. But for once, the Saints actually have some room to maneuver under the cap.
Hendrickson’s projected market value sits at $25.4 million per year, according to Spotrac. That’s a serious investment, but for a team that’s been searching for that final defensive piece, it might be one worth making.
Hendrickson was originally drafted by the Saints. A return would be more than a homecoming-it could be a strategic move that vaults New Orleans back into contender status.
The pieces are there. Now it’s up to the front office to see the opportunity and make it happen.