The NFL offseason has been in its quietest phase in the last few weeks, with the draft and free agency behind us. But with June 1 approaching, the trade speculations are heating up, and one of the teams to look out for is the Green Bay Packers.
Even after draft and free agent additions, the Packers still have room to upgrade on the roster, especially given that they have comfortably made the playoffs before crashing out to one of the NFC’s top teams in five of the last six seasons.
With plenty of free agents still on the market and signings no longer counting toward the 2026 compensatory pick formula, the Packers are predicted to make a strategic move to bolster Jeff Hafley’s defense and provide extra support for the pass-rushing group ahead of the 2025 season.
Packers Projected To Land Trey Hendrickson Ahead of 2025 Season
The Packers need a proven pass rusher to complement Rashan Gary. The depth behind him is thin, and Trey Hendrickson’s consistency could be just what this defense needs to keep pace in a tough NFC North.
It’s exactly why ESPN’s Matt Bowen named the Packers the best landing spot for Hendrickson, who is known to be unhappy with the Cincinnati Bengals’ front office after repeatedly being made to wait for a new deal.
“After being granted permission to seek a trade in March, Hendrickson is refusing to play with the Bengals until he receives a new contract,” Bowen wrote. “If no deal comes together, Green Bay would be the perfect landing spot for him, as he’d pair well with Rashan Gary in Jeff Hafley’s defensive system. Lukas Van Ness, a 2023 first-rounder, is still developing at this stage, so there is a path for Green Bay to add more to its defensive line.”
With nearly $30 million in cap space, the Packers have room to take on Hendrickson’s salary. He would represent a change of pace from Green Bay’s typically cautious approach to player acquisition, but given the team’s recent struggles against the NFC’s powerhouse teams, a change of pace may be just what it needs.
“Hendrickson is a relentless defender off the edge, with a deep toolbox of counters and a knack for making plays late in the down,” Bowen added. “His 17.5 sacks and 65 pressures were league highs in 2024. This would be a big-time get for the Packers’ defense, which tied for the eighth-most sacks last season (45).”
Trey Hendrickson had 17.5 sacks and the Bengals still didn’t make this list mind you https://t.co/nohbujI8Is
— Chris ✟ (@OpoyChase)
Hendrickson’s production, consistency, and locker room presence make him a valuable piece for any team with championship goals. The 2024 NFL sack leader would inject some elite talent into an already-competent Packers defense.
First-year defensive coordinator Hafley worked wonders with Green Bay’s defensive unit in 2024. With Hendrickson generating more pressure on the edge, Hafley could get more creative elsewhere.
If the Bengals don’t make a real push to re-engage Hendrickson (and it seems unlikely they will), Green Bay is well-positioned to make an offer. They have cap space, a need at edge rusher, and a roster ready to compete. The clock is ticking, and if Cincinnati can’t fix this, the Packers might land one of the NFL’s most productive pass rushers.