NFL analyst urges Eagles to trade for disgruntled pass-rusher

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Philadelphia Eagles may once again find themselves in the conversation for one of the league’s top trade targets.

Known for his aggressive and calculated approach to roster building, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has rarely shied away from swinging big. Whenever a star becomes available, Roseman is usually not far behind — and the latest name creating buzz is Cincinnati Bengals All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson.

Though no official links have surfaced between the Eagles and Hendrickson, that could change quickly. NFL Network analyst Marc Ross recently named Philadelphia as a team he’d like to see pursue the veteran pass rusher before the season kicks off.

The Eagles dominated the Chiefs in the Super Bowl with a relentless pass rush, but Philadelphia has questions on that front heading into the 2025 campaign, given the loss of Josh Sweat, Nolan Smith’s injury and the inherent need for young guys like Moro Ojomo (2023 seventh-round pick) and Jalyx Hunt (2024 third-rounder) to level up. General manager Howie Roseman hit big on the trade for wide receiver A.J. Brown in 2022.

Trading for Hendrickson, who’s in a contract standoff with the Bengals, could provide a similar effect for the defense. Plus, the Eagles just cleared more cap space by dealing Huff. This would be a case of the rich getting richer — and a move I wouldn’t put past Philly.

Hendrickson is entering the last year of his $15.8M deal with Cincinnati and seeking a new contract. Despite a recent emphasis on youth development, the Eagles remain in win-now mode. Hendrickson, 30, fits that timeline perfectly. He’s been a Pro Bowler in each of the past four seasons and earned his first All-Pro selection in 2024.

Last season, Hendrickson appeared in all 17 games for Cincinnati, racking up a career-high 17.5 sacks. If Roseman sees an opportunity to strike, history suggests he won’t hesitate.

“We’ve tried to keep it as least amount as personal as possible, but at some point in this process it’s becomes personal,” Hendrickson said of his contract situation. “Being sent 30 days before mandatory camp, or how many ever days it is, that if I don’t show up I will be fined alludes to the fact that something won’t get done in that time frame.”

3.5 sacks tonight. 17.5 sacks on the season.

Trey Hendrickson was a BEAST for the @Bengals 💪 pic.twitter.com/Ul2vloeM85

— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2025

Mandatory Credit: Cincinnati Bengals