The Cincinnati Bengals made a shocking selection as they’re getting defensive end Shemar Stewart in this year’s NFL Draft. According to reports, the Bengals are selecting one of the nation’s top pass rushers, and this could put the icing on the cake for Trey Hendrickson’s future. The top defensive lineman in the league has not been happy about the contract negotiations already this season, and it might be a slap in the face to the star talent. It shouldn’t be surprising if the Bengals find a way to trade Hendrickson this weekend, as it’s hard to imagine he has a secure future on this roster.
Originally selected in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the former Florida Atlantic product became one of the best trench talent, posting four Pro Bowls, 77 sacks and 15 pass deflections, so plenty of teams should be ringing the phone. After extending Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase, the Bengals don’t have the financial liberty to give him the contract he wants either way, and they probably will just stick with Stewart since he will be on a rookie deal, which is cheaper than spending the top dollar. It’ll be interesting to see what the Bengals do this offseason, but many Cincinnati fans should see him move on. However, the good news is that the team may get some draft capital in return for Hendrickson from these four rosters.
Breaking: Bengals Shemar Stewart Draft Selection May Signal Massive Trade – 4 Possible Fits
Next Possible Teams
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers spent the 2024 offseason repairing the offense for quarterback Bryce Young after selecting wide receivers Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker. Now, the Panthers are making improvements to their defensive unit, and they’ve done phenomenally well, signing Tershawn Wharton to provide some help for Derrick Brown. Hendrickson may not win a championship here anytime soon, but the team could have an explosive defense pairing with Jadeveon Clowney. Last season, the Panthers had one of the worst defensive units in the league, but adding a superstar like Hendrickson could change the landscape for the team.
Washington Commanders
Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders have one of the best offenses coming together, and it’s time for them to produce a high-level defense that will put this team on top. Last season, former Commander Dante Fowler Jr. led the team in sacks, but he’s heading to the Cowboys again. Many fans were not happy after the team signed Javon Kinlaw, and maybe trading for Hendrickson could change the conversation for the fate of this defense.
New Orleans Saints
General Manager Mickey Loomis will have to figure out how to make this work, but since they will have a terrible offense this year, they could improve their defense. After the Derek Carr injury, it’s safe to say whoever takes over as a signal-caller will be testing the waters to see how this offense excels. Chase Young and Cameron Jordan are coming back, along with Davon Godchaux, in a trade, so adding Hendrickson in that mix could be a danger for the other 31 opposing teams in the league.
Los Angeles Chargers
This trade makes perfect sense for the Los Angeles Chargers as they’ve yet to add a capable replacement after losing Poona Ford. Da’Shawn Hand won’t single-handedly carry this pass rush, so they need another answer. Hendrickson would put this team on the map alongside Teair Tart since losing Morgan Fox.
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