The Chicago Bears have made a pair of veteran trades to bolster their offensive line in the past few days, including one for Pro Bowl left guard Joe Thuney.
Could they seize a new opportunity to do the same for their defensive line?
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter , the Cincinnati Bengals granted permission for four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Trey Hendrickson to seek a trade for the 2025 season as he continues to seek a lucrative new contract extension.
"It's been an honor and a privilege to represent Cincinnati over the last four years," Hendrickson said in a statement. "I love this city and organization. I appreciate the privilege of now being allowed to explore my options."
Following the news, ESPN's Ben Solak examined the "best potential team fits" for him and topped his list with the Bears, who not only need another starting edge but also employ Dennis Allen — Hendrickson's first defensive coordinator.
"Hendrickson’s old defensive coordinator with the Saints, Dennis Allen, is the new defensive coordinator of the Bears," Solak wrote. "Chicago added Montez Sweat via trade in the 2023 season, but it needs more help in the pass rush to take a leap as a defense."
Solak isn't alone in thinking the Bears should call about Hendrickson.
Both CBS Sports and USA Today Sports listed Chicago as one of their top landing spots for Hendrickson if the Bengals ultimately trade him away. ESPN's Mina Kimes also touted the Bears as a logical fit Thursday on NFL Live.
"The Chicago Bears have a need at edge and now a defensive coordinator in Dennis Allen who ... has a history with Trey Hendrickson," Kimes said.
A sack wizard like Hendrickson would no doubt have major value to the Bears. He has tallied 17.5 sacks in back-to-back seasons and made the Pro Bowl in each of his last four years. Paired with Sweat, the Bears could wreak havoc.
The money is the big question for the Bears, though.
According to Over the Cap , the Bears will still have roughly $43.08 million in effective cap space once their trades for Thuney and Jonah Jackson process, but Hendrickson wants to exceed his current deal's value of $21 million per year.
Maxx Crosby also did him a favor in his pay-raise pursuit Wednesday when he signed an extension with the Las Vegas Raiders worth $35.5 million annually.
The Bears could still make it work and have the draft capital to entice the Bengals into dealing Hendrickson between the No. 10 pick and two early-second-rounders in their hands. It would limit them in free agency, though.
