In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, the Cincinnati Bengals have reportedly agreed to trade star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson to the Green Bay Packers in a blockbuster deal. The All-Pro defensive end, valued at $21 million annually, is coming off a dominant season and was widely considered a cornerstone of the Bengals’ defense. The Packers, hungry to contend for a Super Bowl, are believed to have given up a substantial package to secure Hendrickson’s services — including their 2025 first-round pick (No. 23 overall), a 2025 fifth-rounder, and a 2026 second-round selection.
Trey Hendrickson has established himself as one of the league’s most feared pass rushers, leading the NFL with 17.5 sacks last season and earning his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl nod. His high motor, relentless pursuit, and ability to change the game with a single play made him a fan favorite in Cincinnati and a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. With the Bengals recently investing heavily in other parts of their roster — especially to support quarterback Joe Burrow and the offensive line — many speculate this trade was a strategic cap move to free up resources.
For the Packers, this trade marks a bold and aggressive shift. After years of playoff disappointments and lingering questions about their defensive efficiency, Green Bay is clearly aiming to take a big leap forward in 2025. Their pass rush ranked a lowly 26th in pass rush win rate last season, and adding a proven force like Hendrickson could dramatically elevate their defensive ceiling. Pairing Hendrickson with rising star Rashan Gary and the newly signed safety Xavier McKinney gives the Packers one of the more formidable defensive units in the NFC.
The move also signals a potential “all-in” mentality for the Packers, whose front office has been criticized in the past for being too conservative in roster building. With quarterback Jordan Love continuing to develop into a capable starter, Green Bay is putting serious talent around him to make a legitimate Super Bowl run — and this trade proves it.
On the flip side, Bengals fans are understandably shocked. Hendrickson was one of the faces of their recent playoff success, including their Super Bowl LVI run. While the return of three draft picks gives the Bengals significant ammunition to build for the future, it’s a major gamble to part ways with a player still at the peak of his powers.
Overall, this deal will be dissected and debated for months to come. If Hendrickson helps lead the Packers to postseason glory, it will be hailed as a masterstroke. If not, Green Bay may face years of second-guessing for mortgaging part of their future. One thing is certain: the NFL landscape has shifted — and the 2025 season just got a whole lot more interesting.
