Could one of this year’s most sought-after NFL free agents be heading to the Chicago Bears? A news outlet forecasted that the Bears could be the next team for veteran defensive star Trey Hendrickson.
Hendrickson, 31, is an edge rusher. He is a defensive player who attacks quarterbacks from the edges and disrupts offensive plays. Since the Cincinnati Bengals signed him in 2021, he has been one of the NFL’s most productive defenders.
Hendrickson recorded 17.5 sacks in consecutive seasons in 2023 and 2024. This is rare in the NFL. Few players reach 17 or more sacks, and even fewer do it in consecutive campaigns.
Hendrickson established himself as a cornerstone of the Bengals’ defense with over 60 sacks in Cincinnati alone. In 2024, he earned first-team All-Pro honors and made four straight Pro Bowls from 2021 to 2024. These recognitions show the NFL considers him one of the best players at his position.
Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates a defensive stop.
Hendrickson has played nine seasons in the NFL, starting with the New Orleans Saints in 2017 before joining the Bengals. He has recorded 236 career tackles, including 162 solo stops. He also has 81 career sacks and 15 forced fumbles, demonstrating his impact as a pass rusher. These stats highlight his ability to make solo plays and consistently contribute to his team’s defense.
Last year, the Bengals rewarded him with a $29 million, one-year deal. But they got only seven games out of him due to a hip and pelvis injury. He had core muscle surgery in December, limiting him to 16 tackles and 4.0 sacks during the 2025 season.
Trey Hendrickson may land with Chicago Bears
Despite the injury-shortened campaign, Hendrickson remains one of the most intriguing free-agent players on the market. ESPN ranks him as the NFL’s No. 1 overall free agent. It reflects the belief that a healthy Hendrickson can still be a game-changer.
The main question is what kind of contract he will receive. After receiving $29 million last year, it is unclear whether a team will guarantee him multiple years or offer more than $20 million per season.
Fox Sports recently predicted that Hendrickson will sign with the Bears, who have struggled defensively in recent years. Chicago has been actively looking to improve its ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Hendrickson has a strong history of doing exactly that.
Hendrickson is also closing in on a major milestone: he needs 19 more sacks to reach 100 for his career. He could realistically achieve that in two healthy seasons. If the Bears believe his health is trending upward, signing a motivated veteran chasing that benchmark could help. Hendrickson could be the experienced pass rusher who anchors and strengthens the team’s defense.
NFL free agency opens March 9, with players able to officially sign with new teams starting March 11. Before that, many may re-sign with their current teams or get the franchise tag. Teams are expected to write over $1 billion in new contracts.
While nothing is finalized, a deal between Hendrickson and the Bears could be a major offseason story. For Chicago, signing Henrickson would mark a new era for the franchise.
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