One analyst wants to see the Buffalo Bills go all in and make a blockbuster trade for disgruntled Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson.
The Buffalo Bills are gearing up for another season in which they are legit Super Bowl contenders, so anything and everything should be on the table in regard to improving the roster.
On paper, the Bills have a good situation at edge rusher, which is one of the most important positions in the NFL. Greg Rousseau and A.J. Epenesa are back for another season, and Buffalo replaced Von Miller with Joey Bosa.
The problem with that group is that Bosa has injury concerns. The former Los Angeles Chargers star has missed 23 games over the past three seasons and he’s already dealing with a calf issue that will keep him out until training camp.
“Joey Bosa will not participate today, he pulled a calf,” head coach Sean McDermott revealed during OTAs. “I believe it was late last week, Thursday I believe. So, he’ll be out for, more than likely, the foreseeable springtime, at least, and then we’ll get into training camp, should be good to go by training camp.
In the wake of the Bosa injury news, Bleacher Report‘s Alex Kay wants to see the Bills take action and pull off a blockbuster trade for Cincinnati Bengals star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson.
The Case for Trey Hendrickson
Trey Hendrickson has established himself as one of the NFL’s premier edge rushers. Over the past two seasons, he has led the league in sacks, culminating in an impressive 17.5 sacks in 2024 alone. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses is unmatched, making him a coveted asset for any team with championship ambitions. However, Hendrickson’s relationship with the Cincinnati Bengals has soured due to a contract dispute. After publicly criticizing the Bengals’ handling of his contract and refusing to play under his current deal, Hendrickson is reportedly holding out at mandatory minicamp. This situation has opened the door for a potential trade.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay argues that the Bills are an ideal destination for Hendrickson. With Joey Bosa sidelined by a calf injury that will keep him out until training camp, Buffalo’s pass-rushing unit is in need of a reliable, high-impact player. While Greg Rousseau and A.J. Epenesa form a solid foundation, and the team replaced Von Miller with Bosa, the latter’s injury history—missing 23 games over the past three seasons—raises concerns about his dependability. Hendrickson, on the other hand, has proven to be both durable and dominant, making him a perfect fit for a Bills team looking to maximize its championship window.
“The Buffalo Bills would be a fantastic fit for the edge rusher,” Kay stated. “The team is in need of more pass-rushing prowess, especially with offseason acquisition Joey Bosa already dealing with injuries that have kept him out of practice.”
The Proposed Trade and Financial Hurdles
The proposed trade would see the Bills surrender a second-round draft pick to acquire Hendrickson. While this represents significant draft capital, the addition of a player of Hendrickson’s caliber could be a game-changer for Buffalo’s defense. However, the financial aspect of the deal poses a significant challenge. According to Spotrac, Hendrickson’s market value is projected at a two-year, $62.9 million contract, equating to approximately $31.5 million annually. This figure aligns with his reported demands for a top-of-the-market deal, potentially ranging between $35-$40 million per year.
The Bills’ current salary cap situation complicates matters. With just $1.6 million in available cap space, Buffalo would struggle to accommodate Hendrickson’s current salary, let alone a new, lucrative contract. Furthermore, salary cap projections indicate that the Bills are over the cap by $417,000 in 2026, though they are projected to have $46.4 million in cap space in 2027. General Manager Brandon Beane would need to employ creative cap management strategies—such as restructuring contracts, releasing players, or backloading Hendrickson’s deal—to make this acquisition feasible.
According to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, the Bengals offered Hendrickson a deal worth roughly $28 million annually, which he rejected. This suggests that Hendrickson is seeking a contract closer to the top of the market, potentially in the $35-$40 million range.
The Potential Impact on Buffalo’s Defense
If the Bills can navigate the financial hurdles, acquiring Hendrickson could elevate their defense to elite status. Pairing him with Rousseau, Epenesa, and a (hopefully) healthy Bosa would create a formidable pass-rushing unit capable of overwhelming opposing offensive lines. Hendrickson’s relentless motor and sack production would complement Buffalo’s aggressive defensive scheme under head coach Sean McDermott, potentially making their defense an “unstoppable monster” in the AFC.
Hendrickson’s presence would also alleviate pressure on Josh Allen and the offense, allowing the Bills to control games through a balanced attack. In high-stakes playoff matchups against teams like the Kansas City Chiefs or Baltimore Ravens, having a dominant edge rusher like Hendrickson could be the difference between advancing and falling short.
The Likelihood of the Trade
Despite the tantalizing potential of this move, several factors make it unlikely. The combination of surrendering a high-value draft pick and committing to a massive contract for Hendrickson may be too steep for Buffalo, given their cap constraints. Additionally, the Bengals may be reluctant to trade Hendrickson to an AFC rival, especially one as competitive as the Bills. If Cincinnati can resolve the contract dispute, they may opt to retain their star edge rusher rather than trade him.
However, if Hendrickson’s holdout persists and the Bengals determine that a trade is inevitable, Buffalo should be at the forefront of the conversation. General Manager Brandon Beane has a history of making bold moves to improve the roster, and acquiring Hendrickson could be the final piece in Buffalo’s Super Bowl puzzle.
Conclusion
The idea of Trey Hendrickson joining the Buffalo Bills is an exciting proposition for a team with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations. His proven production as the NFL’s leading sack artist over the past two seasons would make him a transformative addition to Buffalo’s defense. However, the financial and logistical challenges of such a blockbuster trade make it a long shot. If Brandon Beane can find a way to navigate the salary cap and secure Hendrickson, the Bills could field an “unstoppable monster” of a defense, significantly boosting their chances of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in 2025.