The Arizona Cardinals are eyeing a significant addition to their roster, and a top-tier name has emerged in trade discussions: Cincinnati Bengals’ star pass rusher, Trey Hendrickson. As the Bengals have yet to sign Hendrickson to a long-term extension, speculation has ramped up, and national analysts are pointing to the Cardinals as a strong contender for his services.
In a recent segment by CBS Sports’ Cole Benjamin, Hendrickson was listed among the top five players that teams should pursue via trade, with Arizona landing in the fifth spot. The rationale behind this interest is compelling.
This offseason, the Cardinals have made considerable investments to enhance their front seven, splashing cash to bring aboard Josh Sweat and spending a valuable first-round pick on interior lineman Walter Nolen. While they’ve demonstrated a commitment to fortifying this unit, with over $30 million in available salary cap space for 2025, Hendrickson represents a player who could transform their defensive capabilities, especially as they gear up for a playoff push.
Last season, Arizona managed to generate an effective pass rush despite not having elite talent on the roster. However, consistently relying on scrappy efforts isn’t a long-term solution. To reach their goals, the Cardinals need players who specialize in pressuring the quarterback. Although they’ve stocked the roster with some potential bounce-back candidates, like Baron Browning and the promising, if healthy, BJ Ojulari, none hold a candle to Hendrickson’s proven abilities.
Acquiring Hendrickson could be a perfect fit for the Cardinals for several reasons. For starters, the ongoing contract negotiation standoff with Cincinnati poses an opportunity for Arizona to swoop in and offer him the long-term deal he desires. Given Hendrickson’s track record as one of the league’s most formidable edge rushers over the last five seasons, his addition would bolster the Cardinals’ defense overnight, placing him ahead of Sweat as the team’s premier rusher.
Moreover, Hendrickson’s presence wouldn’t just elevate his own stats; it would also enhance the performance of those around him. An intensified pass rush can create chaos in the backfield, forcing opposing quarterbacks into mistakes, which can lead to a surge in interceptions and turnovers. This multidimensional improvement is crucial for a defense looking to step up its game, and both head coach Jonathan Gannon and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis have proven their ability to optimize talent, as shown in their success with similar players in the past.
However, the key question remains: is Arizona ready to make this move? They’ve already invested significantly in their defensive unit, and adding Hendrickson might seem excessive, akin to placing a hat on a hat. In a sport where every position matters and optimal resource allocation is essential, a singular player can’t solve all problems.
That said, if the Cardinals believe they can close this deal, they should pursue it vigorously. Hendrickson undoubtedly enhances the defense, but it’s also essential to evaluate how the Cardinals want to allocate draft assets and cap space. Even if a trade doesn’t materialize, the considerable steps taken this offseason indicate a focused approach to building a competitive roster.
Looking ahead, the bidding war for Hendrickson might heat up, with other teams like the Indianapolis Colts, Green Bay Packers, Washington Commanders, and Detroit Lions also showing interest. These teams, needing top-tier talent, could potentially outmaneuver Arizona in negotiations, underscoring the urgency for the Cardinals to act decisively if they want to secure Hendrickson’s talents. It’s clear that the discussions linking him to Arizona aren’t going away anytime soon, and fans will be watching closely to see how this scenario unfolds.
