The Los Angeles Chargers have emerged as one of the most intriguing potential landing spots for Trey Hendrickson, the disgruntled All-Pro pass rusher whose future with the Cincinnati Bengals remains in limbo. Betting markets have listed the Bolts as a legitimate contender to acquire the reigning NFL sack leader, underscoring just how uncertain his situation in Cincinnati has become.
According to DraftKings, the Bengals remain heavy favorites at -450 to retain him. But the Panthers sit at +500, with the Lions next at +800. The Colts and Packers follow at +1000, and the Chargers and Cardinals are both listed at +1400. Washington (+1700), San Francisco (+1700), and the always-dangerous Eagles (+1800) round out the field.
On paper, the Bengals still want Hendrickson in uniform. NFL Media has reported that the team has a lucrative offer on the table, but Albert Breer noted the contract lacks the guarantees the veteran is seeking. Hendrickson, who requested a trade back in March and briefly held out of camp, has been careful not to stoke further controversy. When asked by CBS Sports’ John Breech if he was more optimistic about a deal after reporting to training camp, Hendrickson replied only: “I’m going to keep my thoughts to myself on that.”
The stalemate leaves the door open for suitors. The Athletic reported that Cincinnati’s asking price is steep: a young defensive player and a 2026 first-round pick. That may scare off some teams, especially given Hendrickson’s next contract will likely need to place him among the NFL’s top-paid pass rushers. For reference, stars like T.J. Watt ($41 million AAV) and Myles Garrett ($40 million AAV) have reset the market, while Hendrickson is currently slated to make just $16 million this season.
Why the Chargers Make Sense
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If there’s a team that fits both the competitive window and financial flexibility needed, it’s the Los Angeles Chargers.
Jim Harbaugh has built every team he’s led—college or pro—around strong defensive fronts. While the Bolts finished first in points allowed last year, the roster lacks established playmakers in the trenches. Khalil Mack is still productive but is 34 years old. Joey Bosa was cut as a cap casualty in March, and while Tuli Tuipulotu shows promise, he’s not yet ready to shoulder the full load.
Enter Hendrickson, who led the league with 17.5 sacks last season while adding 36 quarterback hits, 19 tackles for loss, and six passes defended. A three-time Pro Bowler and newly minted First-Team All-Pro, he’d immediately become the centerpiece of Harbaugh’s defense.
The Chargers also have the cap space to absorb his current deal and the flexibility to negotiate the guaranteed money Hendrickson is after. As Yahoo Sports’ Charles McDonald pointed out on Football 301, the thought of lining him up alongside Mack and Tuipulotu is “enticing” for any defensive coordinator.
The Risk and Reward
Of course, cost remains the sticking point. Giving up a first-round pick plus a promising young defender weeks before the season begins is no small gamble. But for a franchise chasing the Chiefs in the AFC West, the upside may outweigh the risk.
The Chargers are in the rare position of having both financial resources and immediate defensive needs. Hendrickson may be expensive, but so is standing still while Patrick Mahomes runs the division year after year.
For now, Cincinnati continues to hold the cards. As one league source framed it: “If that’s how you view him, why don’t you just pay him?” Still, with betting markets placing the Chargers firmly in the conversation, it’s clear Hendrickson’s future is far from settled.
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