The Los Angeles Chargers will have a ton of money to play with this off-season. Per Spotrac, the Chargers have the second most cap space available in the league at $90.7 million. They got this influx of cash when they released Joey Bosa. That move created $25.36 million in cap space.
Despite having all this cash, the Chargers have a void along their defensive front now. With Bosa gone and Khalil Mack hitting free agency, Los Angeles needs more juice upfront. Luckily for them, the perfect replacement just hit the trade block.
On Thursday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the Cincinnati Bengals have given Edge Trey Hendrickson permission to seek a trade.
The #Bengals have given Pro Bowl Edge Trey Hendrickson permission to seek a trade, per me and @TomPelissero. pic.twitter.com/mTyi4M5rjx
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 6, 2025
NFL News: Trey Hendrickson is Available for Trade
Hendrickson has been searching for a new deal but can't seem to come to a resolution with Cincinnati. The Bengals are negotiating a new contract with Ja'Marr Chase while placing the franchise tag on Tee Higgins for the second straight season.
Hendrickson has been an absolute beast off the edge, consistently generating pressure. During the 2024 season, he finished with 46 total tackles, 19 TFLs, 36 QB hits, and an NFL-high 17.5 sacks. Those numbers landed him on the First-Team All-Pro list. This was his second consecutive season with 17-plus sacks and fourth overall season with double-digit sacks.
The Chargers have a clear need along the edge with Bosa no longer on the team, and they may not get a better option than Hendrickson. Los Angeles has the cap space to offer the 30-year-old a big-time extension while owning the draft assets to get a deal across the finish line.
Having an elite pass-rusher is a must on a contending team, and the Chargers must find a way to energize that unit. Hendrickson has shown the ability to be a game-wrecker, and Los Angeles would be smart to call in and see if they can acquire him. A move like that would immediately improve the roster going into 2025.