Packers Eye $21 Million Edge Rusher in Major Trade Proposal
The Green Bay Packers may be in the market for a top-tier pass rusher this offseason after their defensive ends underperformed in 2024. With speculation already swirling, fans are considering potential blockbuster trades.
One intriguing possibility arises from Myles Garrett’s recent trade request from the Cleveland Browns. Additionally, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby might be open to joining a playoff team where he has connections—specifically mentioning Green Bay.
Acquiring Garrett or Crosby would likely come at a steep cost, which could lead the Packers to explore more affordable options. One such alternative could be Cincinnati Bengals standout Trey Hendrickson.
A recent proposal from Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department outlined potential trades they’d like to see, including a deal that would send Hendrickson to the Chicago Bears for Dennis Allen’s revamped defense. Using that same framework, the Packers could pursue a similar trade. The proposed deal would see Green Bay send their 2025 third-round pick (No. 87) to the Bengals in exchange for Hendrickson, who has one year left on his $21 million contract.
A Hendrickson Trade May Require More Than a Draft Pick
There are key factors to consider in a potential Hendrickson trade.
First, the Bengals have not signaled a strong desire to move him, though their salary-cap situation could play a role if he seeks an extension before the 2025 season. Hendrickson has expressed a preference to remain in Cincinnati but hasn’t ruled out a trade.
For the Packers, the challenge would be managing Hendrickson’s contract demands. Set to earn $15.8 million in base salary next season, he is currently outside the top 10 highest-paid defensive ends. However, after consecutive 17.5-sack seasons, he has every reason to seek a bigger payday—whether in Cincinnati or elsewhere.
While Green Bay has financial flexibility, they may be hesitant to commit to a significant deal for a 30-year-old pass rusher who could soon be past his prime.
Will the Packers Find Better Options in Free Agency?
Trade speculation always heats up after the Super Bowl, but the Packers don’t necessarily need a major deal to bolster their defensive line.
Depending on upcoming contract extensions, they could have strong options when free agency opens in March. Josh Sweat appears to be one of the top available edge rushers, while Chase Young, Marcus Davenport, and Malcolm Koonce are also viable alternatives.
The Packers could also allocate their cap space to other positions and use their draft capital to address the pass-rushing need. Holding the No. 23 overall pick, they may have access to top prospects like Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart, Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr., or Georgia’s Mykel Williams.
While a high-profile trade remains an option, it isn’t a necessity for the Packers as they determine their best approach for 2025.
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