Every team in the National Football League would benefit from having Trey Hendrickson on their roster. After contract discussions stalled, the Carolina Panthers have emerged as one of three teams in the running.
The Panthers have slotted themselves in a premier position as trade talks have just begun. Finally, the Cincinnati Bengals have expressed interest in trading their premier EDGE rusher. Upon doing so, the Panthers answered the call.
Carolina Panthers Among Three Teams Interested in Trey Hendrickson
When it comes to the Panthers, Jaycee Horn is one of their premier defensive players. They aren’t thought of as a top team in the NFC South, though Bryce Young did begin to turn things around last season. Even though they were already out of the running, a strong showing from their second-year QB has them in the right direction.
Tetairoa McMillan was one of the premier wide receivers drafted this past year. Young has a new target, but Dave Canales remains worried. This Panthers team was outscored 50-17 in their first two preseason games. Their lone touchdown came from Young in the first quarter of their opening game.
Regardless, defense remains a priority. With Horn missing the second game due to a thumb injury, the Panthers know one premier cornerback isn’t going to get them anywhere. Once the Bengals announced that Hendrickson was on the market, they were one of three teams to spring into action.
The #Panthers, #Browns and #Colts are among the teams that have shown interest in trading for #Bengals All-Pro Trey Hendrickson, per multiple sources.
An in-division and in-state trade is highly unlikely and any deal will be tough regardless. Cincinnati is believed to want an… pic.twitter.com/DHPnCuPNki
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 17, 2025
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Jordan Schultz reported that the Panthers, Cleveland Browns, and Indianapolis Colts are the first teams to express interest. While every team in the league would love No. 91’s presence, they can’t all afford the cap hit. Hendrickson is set to earn $15.8 million in 2025 as he eyes an extension similar to T.J. Watt.
Bengals Asking Price for Hendrickson
Schultz spoke, “Cincinnati is believed to want an impact player (or two) plus a draft pick in return”. Ultimately, the timing of this favors teams that are in pursuit of Hendrickson. With the 2025 NFL Draft already concluded, it’s clear the Bengals have shifted their focus on players rather than upcoming drafts.
The Bengals defense remains a key issue of theirs heading into this upcoming season. Hendrickson may be a one man wrecking crew, but football is an 11 man game. Shemar Stewart’s arrival has given them hope, hope that may not last long if Hendrickson is traded.
“We aren’t going to trade Trey.” – Bengals owner Mike Brown on Trey Hendrickson when asked about the star pass rusher on July 21.
Full Video: https://t.co/YLCZOQjXSf pic.twitter.com/AgNBiW77JE
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) August 17, 2025
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It’s been discussed at nauseum how Hendrickson finished the past two seasons with 17.5 sacks. His 2024 number is good to put him ahead of the Panthers top three sack-getters combined. Carolina has not seen someone finish with 10+ sacks since Brian Burns had 12.5 in 2022.
Micah Parsons name has surfaced recently in a trade with the Green Bay Packers. With the regular season kicking off on September 4, it remains to be seen if Hendrickson will have a new home prior to Week 1. Ultimately, it’s up to the Bengals who’s front office is as unpredictable as ever.
The Panthers haven’t seen a linebacker like Burns since he left the team in ’23. A premier edge rusher could get them to that next level, or at least in contention for one of the league’s weaker divisions.
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