With NFL free agency just around the corner, Trey Hendrickson’s name is starting to heat up across front offices and fan bases alike. And according to the latest reporting, it sounds like his time in Cincinnati may be coming to an end.
Hendrickson, a two-time Pro Bowler and one of the league’s more consistent edge rushers over the past few years, saw his 2025 season cut short by injury-limited to just seven games and four sacks. But make no mistake: when healthy, he’s a game-wrecker.
After back-to-back seasons with 17.5 sacks, he’s proven he can be a difference-maker on any front seven. That’s exactly why he’s expected to be one of the most sought-after defensive players in this year’s free agent class.
So where could Hendrickson land? Let’s break down three teams that make the most sense based on scheme fit, coaching connections, and roster needs.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A Return to Florida?
There’s a natural connection here. Hendrickson’s roots run deep in Florida-he’s from Orlando and played his college ball at Florida Atlantic. After starting his NFL career with the Saints, he’s spent the last five seasons in Cincinnati, but a move back to the Sunshine State could be in the cards.
Tampa Bay isn’t just a geographic fit-it’s a team that needs a player like Hendrickson. The Bucs are in a competitive window and looking to stay atop the NFC South.
Todd Bowles has built his reputation on aggressive, pressure-heavy defenses, but this past season, Tampa’s pass rush didn’t quite pack the same punch. That’s where Hendrickson comes in.
If Bowles is indeed coaching for his job in 2026, adding a proven edge rusher with Hendrickson’s motor and production could be the kind of move that elevates the entire unit. The Bucs have been aggressive in the past when they see an opportunity-and this one checks a lot of boxes.
2. Chicago Bears: Reuniting with a Familiar Face
The Bears are on the rise, and their defense played a huge role in that this past season. Under new head coach Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, Chicago led the league in takeaways-a clear sign that this unit is flying around and making plays.
But if there’s one area where they could still use a boost, it’s the pass rush. The Bears struggled to consistently generate pressure off the edge, and that’s where Hendrickson could be a perfect fit.
There’s also a strong personal connection here: Allen was the defensive coordinator in New Orleans when Hendrickson was drafted. He coached him throughout his rookie contract, and that familiarity could be a key factor in a potential reunion. For a Bears team that’s already trending upward, adding a veteran presence like Hendrickson on the edge could be the move that takes their defense from good to dominant.
3. New England Patriots: A Vrabel-Type Player
The Patriots are entering a new era under head coach Mike Vrabel, and if there’s one thing we know about Vrabel’s defensive philosophy, it’s that he values toughness, discipline, and edge-setting physicality. Trey Hendrickson fits that mold to a tee.
New England struggled mightily in the trenches this past season, finishing with the worst sack differential in the league. That’s not just a stat-it’s a red flag. The Patriots need to generate more pressure, and Hendrickson offers an immediate solution.
He’s the kind of player Vrabel can plug in right away-someone who can win one-on-one matchups, set the edge in the run game, and bring a veteran presence to a young locker room. If the Patriots are serious about turning things around quickly, targeting Hendrickson would be a smart, calculated swing.
Bottom Line
Trey Hendrickson may not have had the season he wanted in 2025, but his résumé speaks for itself. He’s one of the most productive pass rushers in the league when healthy, and there’s no shortage of teams that could use his services.
Whether it’s a homecoming in Florida, a reunion in Chicago, or a fresh start in New England, Hendrickson’s next move will be one of the more intriguing storylines of this free agency cycle. And whichever team lands him won’t just be adding a stat-sheet stuffer-they’ll be getting a tone-setter on defense.