Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles promised the team would be aggressive in the 2025 free agency period during his press conference at the NFL Combine. As it turns out, the Bears didn't wait until the start of free agency to begin making aggressive moves.
This week, Chicago traded for offensive guard Jonah Jackson on Tuesday and offensive guard Joe Thuney on Wednesday, and signed tight end Durham Smythe on Thursday. Even so, another big move just became available for Poles and the Bears to make before Monday.
According to Ian Rapoport, the Cincinnati Bengals have given star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson permission to seek a trade. While acquiring Hendrickson could cost a lot, he does have ties to the Bears' new defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen.
The #Bengals have given Pro Bowl Edge Trey Hendrickson permission to seek a trade, per me and @TomPelissero. pic.twitter.com/mTyi4M5rjx
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 6, 2025
Is a Trey Hendrickson Signing Logical for the Bears?
Hendrickson has established himself as one of the league's best pass rushers over the past four seasons with the Bengals. However, in the last two seasons, the 30-year-old has recorded 17.5 sacks in back-to-back seasons. Furthermore, Hendrickson was first in QB pressures (83) and second in QB hits (16) among defensive ends in 2024, according to PFF.
Before signing with Cincinnati in 2021, Hendrickson played under Dennis Allen in New Orleans. The Florida Atlantic product was selected with the 103rd pick of the 2017 draft by the Saints. In four seasons with the Saints, Hendrickson recorded 65 tackles, 20 sacks, 18 TFLs, and three forced fumbles.
While those are decent numbers, Hendrickson wasn't a starter in Allen's defense until his fourth season. Of course, at this point in his career, that wouldn't happen, but it's just something to keep in mind.
That said, even at 30-years-old trading for Hendrickson could come at a steep price. Would the capital Chicago needs to give up to acquire him be worth it for 2-3 years of services and a contract extension? That's what Ryan Poles, Dennis Allen, and head coach Ben Johnson must weigh.
Nonetheless, an upgrade that the Bears desperately need is out there. Now, it's a waiting game to see if they can pounce.