Could the Chargers Still Make a Splash? A Trey Hendrickson Trade May Be in Play
The Los Angeles Chargers entered the 2025 offseason flush with cap space and expectations to make a splash. Yet, the front office has largely sat on the sidelines. While they’ve made some modest additions, they’ve steered clear of headline-grabbing free-agent signings or blockbuster trades. But a new opportunity may be brewing—one that could change their narrative and reshape their defense.
Star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson and the Cincinnati Bengals are locked in a tense standoff that has only worsened in recent weeks. On Tuesday, Hendrickson made his frustrations public, telling reporters he will not play the 2025 season under his current contract, which includes a $15.8 million base salary in its final year. “I’m not playing on the current deal,” Hendrickson said, per The Athletic, during a 25-minute media session.
He also revealed that Bengals head coach Zac Taylor texted him roughly a month ago to warn of potential fines if he skipped mandatory minicamp (June 10–12), which Hendrickson said “alludes to the fact that something won’t get done in that time frame.”
“And that, with the lack of communication post-draft, made it evidently clear for my party… that I had to inform [them] that this might not work out,” Hendrickson added. “That was disappointing.”
The 29-year-old, who finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2024, clearly feels his contributions have been undervalued by the Bengals—despite 35 sacks over the past two seasons and an NFL-best 17.5 sacks in 2024 alone.
Now, the door appears to be wide open for a trade—and the Chargers should be among the most interested parties.
Why Hendrickson Makes Sense for the Los Angeles Chargers
Despite selecting Georgia Tech edge rusher Kyle Kennard in the fourth round of this year’s draft, the Chargers are thin at pass rusher. Khalil Mack remains a capable veteran, but he’s coming off a six-sack campaign and is only under contract through the 2025 season. Joey Bosa’s departure created a major void on the edge that the current roster isn’t built to fill.
Hendrickson would instantly upgrade the unit. Adding him to a group that includes Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, Kennard, and Bud Dupree could take a good rotation and make it one of the league’s best. If necessary, Dupree—who carries only a $640,000 dead cap hit—could be moved or released to make room.
Los Angeles has the cap space to absorb Hendrickson’s $18.66 million cap hit. Before the draft, they had just under $30 million available. And they have additional levers to pull: an extension for left tackle Rashawn Slater could clear another $14.3 million in cap room. Moreover, an extension for Hendrickson could lower his cap hit by up to $11.6 million in 2025 alone.
What Would a Trade Look Like?
Bleacher Report’s Mitch Milani proposed that the Chargers send a second-round pick to Cincinnati in exchange for Hendrickson. But given the current volatility of the situation, that price may actually be dropping.
Two months ago, the Bengals likely would’ve rejected that offer outright. But Hendrickson’s public comments and reported dissatisfaction have rapidly diminished Cincinnati’s leverage. If he’s prepared to sit out, the Bengals might opt to move him now rather than risk a toxic locker room situation or lose him for nothing next offseason.
Still, Cincinnati’s front office will have to decide whether to compromise their contention window. They’ve just extended stars Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, signaling a win-now mindset. But if they can’t meet Hendrickson’s contract demands—and if his presence becomes more of a distraction than a strength—a trade may become inevitable.
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Timing Is Everything
The fact that Hendrickson showed up to the Bengals’ team facility this week—even though he did not participate in workouts—suggests he’s still trying to strike a balance. He wants to apply pressure without being perceived as a full-fledged holdout. “I’ve been hoping for the best through this entire process,” he said. But that hope appears to be fading.
He added that he’s long felt disrespected for the lack of communication: “The importance of me being here in OTAs doesn’t seem to be respected, and I think I’ve carried a lot of respect. … That was disappointing.”
This emotional and professional rift is something the Chargers can take advantage of—especially because they are uniquely positioned to offer Hendrickson both the financial commitment and competitive platform he’s seeking.
No team in the NFL has more projected salary-cap space in 2026 than the Chargers. They’re in prime position to offer a 2–3 year extension that could satisfy Hendrickson and keep their pass rush elite for the foreseeable future. The presence of defensive-minded head coach Jim Harbaugh only adds to the appeal.
A Sleeping Giant?
After a slow and strategic offseason, the Chargers still have the tools—and the time—to make a defining move. Whether or not they become serious bidders for Hendrickson may hinge on how aggressive GM Joe Hortiz wants to be in shaping a roster that can contend immediately.
This is no longer just a story about a disgruntled player. It’s a potentially franchise-altering opportunity. Hendrickson isn’t just available—he’s arguably gettable. And if Los Angeles wants to shift the AFC balance of power while building a bridge to the future, now is the time to act.