Homecoming? Analyzing the Saints’ Potential Trade for Bengals Edge Rusher Trey Hendrickson
The New Orleans Saints are at a crossroads. After a middling 9-8 season in 2024, missing the playoffs, changes are needed to revitalize the team and make a serious push for Super Bowl contention. One area that could use a boost is the defensive line, and a familiar face might just be the answer. Could a “homecoming” be in the cards for former Saints defensive end, Trey Hendrickson?
Hendrickson’s Discontent in Cincinnati
Trey Hendrickson, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024 [4, 15], has expressed his dissatisfaction with the Cincinnati Bengals [23]. Despite his stellar performance, Hendrickson stated he will not play in 2025 under his current contract, which is set to pay him $16 million [15]. He claims a lack of communication from the Bengals’ front office since the NFL Draft and feels that promises to rework his deal have been broken [16]. “Rather than using collaboration to bring me home to the team, they are no longer communicating,” Hendrickson told ESPN [16]. “I have been eagerly awaiting a resolution of this situation, but that’s hard to do when there is no discussion and an evident lack of interest in reaching mutual goals.” [16]
Adding fuel to the fire, Hendrickson said the situation has become “personal” [23]. He wants a contract that reflects his value as a top pass rusher, potentially seeking upwards of $20 million per year [10]. This impasse has led to speculation that the Bengals might trade Hendrickson, despite his importance to their defense [7, 16].
Why the Saints Should Consider a Trade
Familiarity and Fit: Hendrickson was drafted by the Saints in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft and spent his first four seasons in New Orleans [7]. After a slow start, he broke out in 2020 with 13.5 sacks [7]. Saints’ defensive end Cameron Jordan believes Hendrickson would thrive in the Saints’ defensive scheme [7]. “In this defense, he’d be tailor-made to thrive,” Jordan said [7].
Pass Rush Boost: The Saints’ defense has shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency has been an issue. In 2024, the Saints’ defense improved, with the defensive line stepping up its pressure [11]. Adding Hendrickson, who ranked ninth among edge rushers in PFF’s Top 32 list going into 2024 [24], would provide a significant boost to their pass rush [11]. In 2024, Hendrickson recorded 79 quarterback pressures [22].
Leadership and Experience: Hendrickson has developed into a true superstar since leaving New Orleans, racking up 57 sacks over the past four years [7]. His experience and leadership would be invaluable to a Saints defense looking to take the next step [7].
Potential Roadblocks
Salary Cap Issues: The Saints are known for their creative maneuvering of the salary cap, but they are still in a tight spot. OverTheCap.com estimates their 2025 cap space at $22.6 million [9, 13]. Acquiring Hendrickson, who is seeking a lucrative contract extension, would require some financial gymnastics [18]. The Saints are projected to be over the cap again in 2026, which could make extending Hendrickson difficult [18].
Trade Compensation: The Bengals would likely demand a significant return for Hendrickson, who led the league in sacks in 2024 [10, 15]. A potential trade could involve a second-round pick and a fifth-round pick [10].
Defensive Line Investment: The Saints have already invested in their defensive line, including Chase Young [11, 18]. They also need to consider the development of their existing players [11].
Potential Trade Scenarios
One proposed trade idea involves the Saints sending a 2026 second-round pick and a 2026 fifth-round pick to the Bengals in exchange for Hendrickson [10]. Another scenario involves the Bears sending the Bengals young players on rookie contracts along with draft picks [23].
The Saints’ Cap Situation
While the Saints are currently in a challenging cap situation, the 2025 salary cap has been set at $279.2 million, which is an increase of over $20 million from last season [17]. This increase provides the Saints with some much-needed flexibility [17]. The Saints could create more cap space by restructuring contracts, particularly that of quarterback Derek Carr [17].
The Anarumo Factor
If the Bengals were to trade Hendrickson, the Indianapolis Colts could be a potential landing spot, as their new defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo, previously oversaw Hendrickson’s prolific seasons in Cincinnati [16].
Conclusion
Bringing Trey Hendrickson back to New Orleans would be a significant move for the Saints. His familiarity with the team, proven pass-rushing ability, and leadership qualities could be exactly what the defense needs to reach its full potential. However, the Saints must carefully consider the financial implications and the potential trade compensation before making a deal. A “homecoming” for Hendrickson would be a great story, but it needs to make sense for the long-term success of the team.