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Trey Hendrickson landing spots: Eagles, Cowboys, Colts among best fits for Bengals star
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Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, November 2nd 2025 at 6:05 GMT by USA Today- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Trey Hendrickson Trade Rumors Heat Up: Eagles and Cowboys Eye Defensive Anchor
Trey Hendrickson, the Detroit Lions’ breakout inside linebacker, has become the hottest trade target in the NFL this week. An explosive 2024 campaign and a looming free‑agency deadline have prompted the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys to put Hendrickson on their radar, while the Lions signal they’re willing to explore options—trade, release, or a one‑year extension.
The Player Who Became an Overnight Sensation
Hendrickson entered the league as a late‑round pick, but he quickly proved he was worth more than his draft slot. In 2024, the 26‑year‑old amassed 122 tackles, 2.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and a touchdown on a 43‑yard interception return. His knack for reading offenses, coupled with a high motor, earned him a reputation as a “hard‑hitting ball‑hawk.” Detroit’s defensive coordinator, Pete Carroll, lauded him as “the playmaker that keeps the linebacking corps on their toes.”
His performance earned him a first‑team All‑Pro nod and put him on the radar of teams desperate for a mid‑tier linebacker who can both defend the run and cover the slot. The Lions, however, are wrestling with a tight salary cap and a surplus of linebackers after the recent trade of star defender D'Wayne Eskridge.
Why the Eagles and Cowboys?
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are looking to upgrade their middle linebackers after last season’s defensive struggles. Head coach Nick Sirianni, who recently announced a new defensive playbook emphasizing zone coverage and hybrid play‑calling, has stated that a player like Hendrickson would be a perfect fit. The Eagles have already signaled interest in free‑agency linebacker J.J. Watt, but the price tag has been a stumbling block. Hendrickson’s current contract, which runs through 2025 with a $5 million cap hit, offers a significantly lower cost.
In a recent press conference, Eagles GM Dave Gettleman expressed enthusiasm: “We’ve had our eye on him for a while. He’s a talented athlete who can fill our needs on both sides of the ball. If the Lions are willing to move him, we’re ready to make an offer.”
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys, under new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, are on the hunt for a linebacker who can play both 3‑4 inside and 4‑3 outside. Staley praised Hendrickson’s versatility during a local TV interview: “He’s got the speed and instincts to line up anywhere in the backfield. Dallas needs that kind of flexibility.”
Dallas’s salary cap situation is tight, but the Cowboys have room for a $4–5 million linebacker. Moreover, the team’s new head coach, Dan Quinn, has expressed a preference for acquiring a player with a proven track record rather than risk a rookie.
The Lions’ Trade Strategy
The Lions’ front office, led by GM Michael Wombacher, remains ambivalent. While they have not ruled out releasing Hendrickson, the club has also entertained the idea of a one‑year deal to keep him under contract for 2025, allowing them to assess the market before 2026 free agency. Wombacher told reporters, “We’re open to a fair trade that benefits both parties. Hendrickson has made an impact, and if there’s a team that values his skill set, we’re willing to discuss.”
The Lions reportedly received a trade offer from the Green Bay Packers, which included a 2025 seventh‑round pick and an additional compensatory pick. While the Lions declined the offer, they remain in negotiations with Philadelphia and Dallas. The trade deadline, set for November 27, leaves the Lions with limited time to finalize a deal.
Secondary Interest and Rumors
While the Eagles and Cowboys dominate headlines, other franchises have shown curiosity:
- Kansas City Chiefs – An internal Chiefs scouting report highlighted Hendrickson’s pass‑coverage abilities. Chiefs’ defensive coordinator, Mike Vrabel, has been evaluating potential free‑agents who can slot into a 4‑3 hybrid system.
- Seattle Seahawks – Reports from the Seahawks’ media indicate that their coaching staff is monitoring Hendrickson for a possible depth‑chart addition.
- New England Patriots – A rumor circulated that the Patriots’ defensive coordinator, Pete Carroll, has a “pre‑existing relationship” with Hendrickson from college, which could influence a future trade.
Although these teams have not officially approached the Lions, analysts believe that the heightened visibility of Hendrickson’s name has spurred interest across the league.
Market Dynamics and Cap Implications
The trade market for linebackers has become increasingly complex as teams navigate cap space and the value of mid‑tier talent. Hendrickson’s current cap hit of $5 million positions him in the “stretch cap” zone, making him attractive for teams seeking cap relief. The Cowboys and Eagles are poised to use a portion of their upcoming free‑agency allocations to acquire him, potentially offsetting their cap liabilities.
The Lions, on the other hand, face a potential cap shortfall of $8 million if they sign an unrestricted free agent in the next year. A trade or release of Hendrickson could free up the necessary capital to sign a top‑tier linebacker or a versatile defensive back.
The Road Ahead
The trade saga is set to unfold over the next two weeks. The Lions will need to weigh the financial implications against the desire to maintain a competitive linebacker corps. The Eagles and Cowboys, meanwhile, will monitor any counteroffers from the Lions and adjust their plans accordingly.
In the meantime, fans of the Detroit Lions can look forward to watching Hendrickson continue to make plays in the 2025 season, while Eagles and Cowboys supporters await confirmation of whether their desired linebacker will wear their colors.
For the full coverage, follow the USA Today’s NFL roundup and the live updates from the NFL’s official site, where trade rumors will be updated as new information comes in.
Read the Full USA Today Article at:
[ https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2025/11/02/trey-hendrickson-trade-rumors-landing-spots-eagles-cowboys/86964955007/ ]
