Eagles could be quietly lurking in Trey Hendrickson sweepstakes

The Eagles might not be done building just yet.

As OTAs approach, Philly’s defensive edge group is still a massive question mark. Brandon Graham rode off into the sunset. Josh Sweat chased a bag elsewhere. And now, the Eagles are left hoping Nolan Smith takes a leap, Jalyx Hunt turns the corner, and one of their prove-it deals — Azeez Ojulari or Josh Uche — actually proves something.

While I have faith in both Smith and Hunt, Howie Roseman has never been one to rely on starters only along his defensive line. The defense has always been built on defensive line depth, and right now, it’s a bit lacking.

Read More: Eagles’ top candidates to represent Team USA in 2028 olympics

So, let’s talk about Trey Hendrickson.

The Bengals pass rusher recently made it known that he’s not happy in Cincinnati. He wants a long-term extension, something in the $30 million range, and he’s not afraid to make things uncomfortable to get it. It’s the kind of situation Howie Roseman is known to monitor like a hawk — low leverage for the other team, proven production, and a guy who could instantly stabilize the edge room.

Eagles have the draft capital to make this happen

Look, this isn’t a Madden trade. It would take some creative accounting. Hendrickson is due $16 million this year. The Eagles aren’t exactly sitting on a pile of spare cash. But if Hendrickson is willing to play out his current deal in exchange for a shot at a Super Bowl — and to hit free agency in 2026 with double-digit sacks and playoff buzz behind him — that’s worth a Day 2 pick every day of the week.

Shop Birds Gear Here

We’ve seen this movie before. Haason Reddick wanted a new deal. Philly didn’t blink and shipped him to the Jets. If the Bengals decide to hold firm, Hendrickson could end up in a similar situation.

Eagles Shouldn’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

There’s a real shot Vic Fangio watches this group in OTAs and decides, “Yeah, we don’t have enough.” That’s when Roseman could strike.

Adding Hendrickson would instantly upgrade the Eagles’ front seven and let Nolan Smith settle into a complementary role — the same one he quietly thrived in down the stretch last season. It would also take pressure off Hunt and create real depth with Ojulari and Uche fighting for that fourth spot.

This is Howie’s time of year. The rest of the league is sleeping on beach chairs. He’s building war rooms in the shadows.

If Cincinnati keeps dragging their feet, don’t be surprised if the Eagles end up as the team that pounces.

Just keep an eye out. The birds might not be done hunting.