The Trey Hendrickson-Bears Possibility Just Came Back from the Dead
For a while, the idea of Trey Hendrickson suiting up for the Chicago Bears seemed like a pipe dream—something that made for great fan speculation but little real-world traction. But as of this past week, that possibility has suddenly become far more realistic. With a revived trade rumor mill, Hendrickson’s uncertain future in Cincinnati, and Chicago’s newfound defensive swagger, the scenario where Hendrickson joins the Bears has unexpectedly come back to life.
What Sparked the Resurrection?
It all stems from Hendrickson’s ongoing discontent in Cincinnati. Despite being one of the league’s most productive pass rushers, he requested a trade earlier this offseason after contract discussions with the Bengals broke down. Although the Bengals initially rejected the idea of moving him, tensions have not cooled much. Hendrickson still desires long-term security and reportedly has not been pleased with how negotiations have been handled. Meanwhile, the Bengals—who are pressed for cap space as they navigate Joe Burrow’s mega-extension and future deals for key players like Ja’Marr Chase—may now be more open to listening to offers.
Enter the Bears.
Why Chicago Makes Sense
The Bears are in the midst of a defensive renaissance. With head coach Matt Eberflus steering the team toward a more disciplined, hard-hitting identity, the front office has already made aggressive moves. They acquired Montez Sweat last season and locked him into a long-term deal. The result? A pass rush that went from anemic to respectable. But one elite edge rusher isn’t enough in today’s NFL. The best defenses come in waves, and pairing Sweat with a proven commodity like Hendrickson could create one of the most formidable pass-rushing tandems in the league.
Chicago also has the cap space to make a move. According to recent estimates, the Bears are among the top teams in available cap room. With quarterback Caleb Williams on a rookie deal and several foundational pieces already in place, this is the time to make aggressive moves that maximize the team’s championship window.
What Hendrickson Brings
Trey Hendrickson isn’t just another rotational pass rusher. He’s one of the most consistent and disruptive edge players in the league. Since joining the Bengals in 2021, he has tallied 39.5 sacks over three seasons and countless pressures. He combines speed, technique, and relentless motor to make life miserable for opposing quarterbacks.
More importantly, he fits Chicago’s scheme perfectly. Eberflus’s defense thrives on pressure without excessive blitzing. Hendrickson is the kind of player who can win one-on-one matchups and collapse pockets without needing additional help. That creates opportunities for turnovers, something the Bears’ defense has historically thrived on when they’re playing at a high level.
The Cost of Doing Business
Of course, bringing in a player like Hendrickson won’t come cheap. The Bengals won’t give him away for nothing, especially considering they’re still a playoff-caliber team. It’s likely that a second-round pick would be the starting point in any trade discussion, with potential sweeteners like conditional picks or mid-level players included.
But for the Bears, it’s a price worth considering. They’ve already shown a willingness to part with premium picks when they believe it fills a glaring need. The Sweat trade is a perfect example—they sent a second-rounder to Washington, then doubled down by extending him. Hendrickson could follow the same model.
Timing is Everything
With OTAs and training camps around the corner, time is ticking. The longer Hendrickson remains in limbo, the more disruptive it becomes for Cincinnati—and the more leverage the Bears or other teams could have. Chicago would benefit from bringing him in sooner rather than later to get him up to speed and integrated into the system before the season starts.
If a trade happens, don’t be surprised if it occurs before preseason games begin. General managers know that getting new pieces comfortable in their new surroundings early on is crucial for immediate impact.
The Bottom Line
A month ago, the idea of Trey Hendrickson wearing navy and orange seemed dead in the water. But with tensions in Cincinnati still simmering and the Bears quietly assembling a dangerous defensive unit, the stars may finally be aligning. If Ryan Poles and the Bears’ front office want to capitalize on their emerging young core and make a serious playoff push, this is the kind of bold move that could tilt the balance.
For Bears fans, it’s time to keep an eye on this situation. The Trey Hendrickson-to-Chicago conversation is no longer just speculation—it’s a revived possibility with real traction. And if it happens, it could be the defining move of the Bears’ 2025 campaign.
