The Patriots roster is in great shape heading into the start of OTAs and mini-camp over the next few weeks. The new regime addressed every weakness of the team through free agency and the draft, leaving few needs to be dealt with before the new season begins. However, they still have a healthy amount of cap space to utilize if a desirable player becomes available, which could happen sooner rather than later.
Although trading for a top wide receiver is likely at the top of most fans' list, even after the Patriots signed Stefon Diggs, none of the names many have been hoping would be put on the trade block have been, meaning Mike Vrabel and Co. will likely be looking elsewhere.
The top player the Patriots could look into continues to be Bengals' disgruntled pass rusher Trey Hendrickson. He has made his feelings about an extension with Cincinnati very clear, which they don't appear to want to get done. He has already stated he will not play on his current contract, making it a smarter move for the Bengals to trade him before it's too late.
New England has the means to get a deal done, which might be easier than anyone thought.
The Patriots cannot pass on getting a deal done for Trey Hendrickson if the Bengals would accept this trade
Addressing the defense was the priority in free agency for Vrabel and Co. and they accomplished that big time by signing players like CB Carlton Davis, DT Khyiris Tonga, and DT Milton Williams. After bulking up the offense in the early rounds of the draft, they then turned to the defense again, filling out the defensive line and the pass rush to really put the group over the top.
However, some feel they haven't done enough to properly boost the pass-rushing group and make the kind of impact the defense needs. That's why some analysts, like Cam Garrity of Patriots Wire, suggest they pursue a trade for Hendrickson, making an offer that would be an absolute steal for the Patriots.
"The cost? Likely a second and fourth-round draft pick. The Patriots acquired a fourth-rounder from the Chicago Bears via the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2025 NFL draft, and they could use that as part of a deal. They’d be giving up real capital, but for a real star—and one who fits. I have them also getting a fifth back from the Bengals to facilitate this."
If New England could manage to pull off a trade for a defensive end coming off a season with the most recorded sacks in the league (17.5) for a second and fourth-round pick, the 2025 offseason might be the best in team history.
The Bengals have previously let it be known they would want a first-rounder for Hendrickson, which deterred most teams from even making the call, and if that remains accurate, then they'll have to lower their demand. The Patriots could easily swoop in and make a great offer on top of having the means to give Hendrickson a new contract.
He would immediately boost their pass rush and put their defensive line over the top, which is already being considered one of the best units in the NFL. Hendrickson would make the defense one that opponents would fear, but also be a great leader and mentor to an otherwise young and developing group around him.
Whether Cincinnati makes him available is yet to be seen, but if they hope to avoid potential disaster, like Hendrickson sitting out the 2025 season, they should try to get more bang for the buck by trading him as soon as possible, especially since they don't seem interested in keeping him around long-term.
The Patriots could and should be interested, and there's no reason for them not to be on the phone already to inquire about a potential deal.