The Los Angeles Chargers managed to re-sign Khalil Mack in free agency but released Joey Bosa, leaving a significant gap in their pass rush.
While they still have Tuli Tuipulotu—who led the team with 8.5 sacks in 2024—they could benefit from adding more depth along the defensive line.
Could the Cincinnati Bengals provide a solution?
Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson is currently in a contract dispute with Cincinnati, and during a Wednesday appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, the Defensive Player of the Year runner-up expressed frustration over the team’s lack of communication.
Hendrickson was particularly irritated by recent remarks from Bengals executive vice president Katie Blackburn, who made it clear that extension talks have stalled.
“That was a little disappointing because communication has been poor over the last couple of months,” Hendrickson said. “That’s something I hold in high regard. They have not communicated with my agent directly. It’s been a little frustrating.”
Could this open the door for the Chargers to pursue Hendrickson, who has posted 17.5 sacks in each of the last two seasons?
Los Angeles has been relatively conservative in free agency despite having plenty of cap space. However, they may have been waiting for a high-impact player like Hendrickson to become available before making a significant move.
Hendrickson has one year left on his contract, and with Cincinnati recently locking up Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the Bengals may not be eager to part ways with him. That said, the 30-year-old pass rusher could push for a move if contract negotiations remain stagnant.
The Chargers may hesitate due to Hendrickson’s age and the cost of acquiring him, especially since he’s in line for a lucrative deal. Still, if the price in draft capital is reasonable, Los Angeles might want to consider making a move.
Leave a Reply