Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson has reportedly requested a trade, as stated by Adam Schefter of ESPN. According to Schefter’s tweet on April 24, Hendrickson, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, is seeking a move due to contract concerns, aiming for more long-term security than what Cincinnati has offered.
In a piece by Cory Woodroof of USA Today, five potential landing spots for Hendrickson were discussed, with the Atlanta Falcons being one of them. Woodroof highlighted the Falcons’ need for an impact edge rusher and pointed out that Falcons’ general manager Terry Fontenot was part of the New Orleans Saints organization when Hendrickson was drafted in 2017.
Woodroof emphasized the Falcons’ urgency for an edge rusher, suggesting that acquiring someone like Hendrickson could significantly benefit the team. The potential trade could involve sending picks from Atlanta to Cincinnati, providing the Falcons with the edge rusher they have been seeking to bolster their defense.
How Trey Hendrickson Could Benefit the Falcons
Trey Hendrickson was the NFL’s second-highest sack leader last season, recording 17.5 sacks. Over the past four seasons, the 29-year-old has consistently achieved at least 13.5 sacks in three of them.
His prowess in reaching the quarterback has been among the best in the league, accumulating a total of 53 sacks during this four-season span. Additionally, Hendrickson has maintained his presence on the field by playing in a minimum of 15 games each season.
Josiah Caswell from Pro Football Network has identified the Atlanta Falcons as a potential destination for Hendrickson. Caswell notes that the Falcons, who faced Hendrickson regularly from 2017 to 2020, have struggled with their pass rush and are seeking to address this issue in the current offseason.
Considering the Falcons’ likely focus on the draft, where they may target an EDGE player, Caswell suggests that Atlanta could pivot towards acquiring a proven performer like Hendrickson. With eight picks in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, including two third-round selections, one second-round pick, and the eighth overall pick, the Falcons have the assets to potentially facilitate a trade for Hendrickson.
His Agent Is Looking for Long-Term Security
Hendrickson Seeking Long-Term Security, Falcons a Potential Landing Spot
According to Trey Hendrickson’s agent, Harold Lewis, the defensive end’s top priority is to secure a long-term commitment from the Cincinnati Bengals. As Lewis told ESPN’s Ben Baby, “Our No. 1 goal is to get a long-term commitment from them. If we can’t, then we’re asking for a trade. And hopefully if he gets traded, that’s what we do — get a long-term commitment with somewhere else.”
This suggests that Hendrickson is looking for more stability and security in his contract, rather than playing on a year-to-year basis. If the Bengals are unable to provide him with the long-term deal he desires, a trade could be the next step.
One potential landing spot for Hendrickson could be the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons made a significant investment this offseason by signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract. This move signals the Falcons’ intent to win within the next few years, which could make them an attractive option for a proven pass rusher like Hendrickson.
The Falcons have struggled with their pass rush in recent seasons and could greatly benefit from adding an impact player like Hendrickson to their defensive front. With eight picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, including two third-rounders, a second-rounder, and the eighth overall selection, the Falcons have the draft capital to potentially facilitate a trade for Hendrickson.
Hendrickson’s desire for long-term security and the Falcons’ need for a dominant pass rusher could make Atlanta an intriguing destination if the Bengals are unable to meet the player’s contractual demands.
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