The New England Patriots could be targeting pass rushers in the offseason, and Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox named them a landing spot for Trey Hendrickson.
Hendrickson was a long contract struggle with the Cincinnati Bengals last offseason, but eventually signed a one-year, $29 million deal with the team. He ended up playing just seven games last season and posting four sacks.
Hendrickson did not have the best year before hitting free agency, but he is stilla four-time Pro Bowler and former First-Team All-Pro who could help the Patriots plenty.
The Patriots had just 35 sacks last season, and with K’Lavon Chaisson going into free agency, the Patriots could look to upgrade their pass rush. Hendrickson led the league in sacks in 2024 and has 61 sacks in 72 games with the Bengals.
Hendrickson is 31 years old, so he may not be able to get a longer contract. However, the Patriots could look to get him on a short-term deal that pays him well. Spotrac projects a two-year, $50.8 million deal in free agency for him.
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“Teams may prefer to offer a shorter deal that includes plenty of ‘prove-it’ incentives,” wrote Knox on Wednesday. “That said, the 6’4″, 265-pound pass-rusher, who led the league in sacks two seasons ago, is elite when healthy and will be viewed as a free-agent prize.”
The Patriots will have money to spend, and the pass rush is a clear need. However, they could opt to target someone younger and perhaps cheaper as well.
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