As the New England Patriots wrap up training camp and get set to prepare for Week 1, one cannot help but wonder if there is just one more move brewing.
For months now, there has been speculation over Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson being traded, as the two sides still haven't been able to come to agreement on a new contract. As of Sunday, it was reported that the Bengals were now taking offers for last year's sack leader.
Of course, with a head coach like Mike Vrabel, you'd have to believe the Patriots should be interested.
In the most recent development on this front, NFL insider Josina Anderson reported the following:
"I'm told the New England Patriots currently feel the cost to acquire Bengals star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson is 'too much,' per a league source as of Monday."
The Patriots are absolutely in on trading for Trey Hendrickson if the price is right
Just a couple of days ago, we learned about the price it would take to acquire Hendrickson when The Athletic's Dianna Russini let the cat out of the bag. Cincinnati wants a 2026 first-round pick along with a young defensive player, which doesn't necessarily have to be a pass rusher.
As Anderson reported, that price is too steep for the Patriots. Now, the biggest reason why might actually come due to the first-round pick. New England has to be realistic about their expectations this season. If they improve marginally, that means they'll land a fairly early pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Improvement is a positive, but so is obtaining a high pick. That pick is what it would take to get Hendrickson, along with another young player on defense.
Should the Bengals be fine with the Patriots sending a second rounder, maybe then they're on the right track.
One thing to keep in mind about all of this is the fact that Hendrickson is 30 years old and will be 31 by the time this season is over. It's rare to see a player of that age get a maximum type of contract with high guarantees, which is what he wants.
Nonetheless, the Patriots are interested. Stay tuned.