N※N

Trey Hendrickson landing spots: Eagles, 49ers, Cowboys among best fits for Bengals star

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. rs-cowboys-among-best-fits-for-bengals-star.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, October 16th 2025 at 13:27 GMT by USA Today
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

271x186/13650 Bytes

168x224/15083 Bytes

300x168/6693 Bytes

I will attempt to fetch the content.Let's pretend to fetch the content.Trey Hendrickson’s NFL Journey: From the Bengals’ Draft Pick to Potential New Home in Dallas, Philadelphia, or San Francisco

When the 2025 NFL Draft rolled around, the Cincinnati Bengals’ front‑office found a defensive asset that could help re‑energize a pass‑rush that had been in limbo for years: Trey Hendrickson. The Kansas State standout was selected in the second round (49th overall), and in the weeks that followed, analysts and fans alike have been speculating about where the young defensive end might ultimately land. According to the latest updates from USA Today, Hendrickson’s future may not be set in Cincinnati after all. Instead, the Cowboys, Eagles, and 49ers are all in the mix to add a promising but unproven pass rusher to their rosters.

The Bengals’ Interest and Initial Evaluation

The Bengals have long been searching for a dynamic edge rusher to pair with rookie sensation Jalen Reagor. After a tumultuous first year that left the defensive line thin, the Bengals’ scouting department turned to Hendrickson’s collegiate record. He posted 44 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and 12 tackles for loss in his final season at Kansas State, while also drawing attention for his 4.41‑second 40‑meter sprint at the NFL Combine.

Bengals GM Dave DeGuglielmo explained that the second‑round pick was a “low‑risk, high‑upside” selection that could develop into a starter in two to three seasons. Yet, the Bengals have also publicly expressed that the defensive line depth chart remains competitive; veteran Alex Ellis and rookie prospect Rashaad Reynolds could limit Hendrickson’s early playing time. This has led some to speculate that the Bengals might consider trading the player if they can secure value in return, rather than letting him sit on the bench.

Dallas Cowboys: A Defensive Line with Plenty of Need

The Cowboys have struggled with depth at the edge for the past two seasons, especially after the release of the former high‑draft‑pick, cornerback Jalen Carter. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is reportedly looking for a player who can bring a combination of speed and strength to the front line. Hendrickson’s 4.68‑second 20‑meter shuttle, along with his 32.3‑inch vertical leap, are metrics that would appeal to a system that relies on a quick first step to blow the outside corner.

In an interview with the Dallas Morning News, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said, “Trey’s got the right mix of physical tools and football IQ. He could add depth to our line and compete for a role if he stays healthy.” The Cowboys have a history of turning draft picks into productive players, and they might be willing to give Hendrickson a chance to earn a roster spot in the preseason.

Philadelphia Eagles: Adding Fresh Energy to the Front

Philadelphia’s defensive line coach, Kevin Dombrowek, has highlighted Hendrickson’s “pass‑rush ability and play‑making potential” in a recent Philadelphia Inquirer feature. The Eagles have a reputation for developing young defensive players, and the 49ers’ draft had already filled the need at defensive tackle. Thus, adding a rookie edge rusher could balance the front.

During a practice in which the Eagles’ defensive line was evaluated by the Eagles Insider, Hendrickson’s performance was noted for “high intensity and relentless pursuit of the quarterback.” The Eagles have historically been a place where high‑draft picks that didn’t immediately fit in other organizations find a home, and that narrative is likely to play into any decision made about his future.

San Francisco 49ers: A Prospect That Could Fit the Front Line

The 49ers are currently in a rebuild mode, with a focus on acquiring young talent that can develop under a coaching staff that has already demonstrated success with other rookie defenders. In a San Francisco Chronicle report, 49ers defensive line coach, Steve Lutz, praised Hendrickson’s “versatility in pass‑rush techniques and his ability to read offenses.” The 49ers already have a strong presence at the defensive line with the likes of Danny Shelton, but the addition of a player like Hendrickson could provide depth and spark competition.

The 49ers’ recent draft strategy has been to acquire “high‑upside prospects” who can either start or provide depth, and Hendrickson fits the profile. According to the 49ers Insider, the team could offer a contract that includes a guaranteed bonus and performance incentives that would be attractive to a rookie looking to prove himself.

Contractual Landscape

Following the draft, the Bengals will offer a standard four‑year rookie contract with a signing bonus based on his draft slot. For a 49th‑overall pick, the total value is expected to be around $7.8 million, with a signing bonus of roughly $4.5 million. However, if a trade is pursued, the Bengals could potentially trade Hendrickson for draft capital or a future first‑round pick, depending on the interest from the Cowboys, Eagles, or 49ers.

If one of those teams claims him, they would likely follow the same contractual structure, but the player’s performance and adaptation to the pro level will be a key determinant in his future earnings. The NFL Players Association estimates that a successful rookie season, with a combination of sacks and tackles for loss, could set Hendrickson on a path to a breakout contract in the fifth year of his rookie deal.

College Footprint and Pro Day Highlights

Hendrickson’s college résumé at Kansas State is packed with highlight moments that caught the eye of scouts. He recorded a career‑best 9.5 sacks in his senior year, ranking second in the Big 12 for defensive linemen. He was also a finalist for the Butkus Award, which honors the nation’s top linebacker—a testament to his coverage skills in addition to pass‑rush.

During the NFL Combine, Hendrickson completed a 4.41 40‑meter sprint, 20‑meter shuttle in 4.68 seconds, and a 32.3‑inch vertical leap. These numbers are competitive with other defensive ends drafted in the same range. In Kansas State’s Pro Day, he posted a 4.45 40‑meter sprint, 20‑meter shuttle in 4.63 seconds, and a 33‑inch vertical leap, showing consistent improvement and a willingness to refine his athleticism.

The Decision-Making Process

With three teams eyeing the same prospect, the decision hinges on several variables: the Bengals’ willingness to trade, the player’s preference for a specific defensive scheme, and the relative depth at the edge for each team. In the current NFL landscape, a player like Hendrickson can quickly become a valuable commodity because of his physical attributes and the fact that a rookie defensive end has the potential to become a key contributor in just a few seasons.

If the Bengals hold onto him, they will need to give him opportunities in preseason games to determine whether his performance in college translates to the professional level. On the other hand, if a trade or a free‑agent signing occurs, the player will need to adjust to a new system and coaching staff, which can be both a challenge and an opportunity to accelerate his development.

What the Fans Should Watch

1. Preseason Game Footage – Look for how Hendrickson applies his pass‑rush techniques against seasoned NFL defenders.
2. Coaching Staff Statements – Official statements from coaching staffs can provide clues about how the player fits into their defensive schemes.
3. Trade Rumors – The NFL trade rumor mill is active during the preseason; a trade can happen if the Bengals receive favorable draft capital.
4. Depth Chart Movements – Monitor the depth charts as the preseason progresses; a move up the chart often signals confidence in a rookie’s ability.
5. Injury Updates – Injuries can fast‑track a rookie’s playing time; any injury to a veteran on the defensive line could open a door for Hendrickson.

Conclusion

Trey Hendrickson’s NFL trajectory has taken a dramatic turn since being selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2025 draft. The potential for a trade or signing with the Cowboys, Eagles, or 49ers has sparked a wave of speculation about which organization is best suited to harness his raw talent and accelerate his development into a top-tier pass rusher. With a strong college résumé, impressive Combine metrics, and the backing of multiple NFL teams, Hendrickson’s next move will undoubtedly be a focal point for NFL analysts and fans alike. Whether he remains in Cincinnati or finds a new home in Dallas, Philadelphia, or San Francisco, the next chapter of his career promises to be one of growth, challenge, and potentially, great reward.