The Los Angeles Chargers and their fans may claim that their comically bad injury luck was what ended up ruining this team's fortunes in the 2025 season, but that is only half true. This team is lacking some star power in key areas, even when fully healthy.
Even with Tuli Tuipulotu breaking out and midseason trade acquisition (and impending free agent) Odafe Oweh adapting nicely to this scheme, the injured Khalil Mack isn't getting any younger, and Oweh could throw the defensive line back into chaos if he leaves the team in free agency.
The Chargers could rectify this by splashing the cash and making a run at Cincinnati Bengals star Trey Hendrickson. The latest prognostications from CBS Sports seemingly put the Chargers at the front of the pack for someone who may be the most desirable defensive free agent on the market.
CBS believes the Chargers will make a move for Hendrickson in the offseason, beating out logical suitors like the 49ers, Commanders, and Buccaneers to secure his services for yet another championship push. The defense remains a top unit, and it could be even better with Hendrickson.
CBS believes Chargers will sign Bengals star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson
Hendrickson has just four sacks this year, but that can be explained. First, someone who recorded 34.5 sacks in the prior two seasons has only been able to suit up in seven games for a terrible Bengals defense that has lost them multiple winnable games.
Second, the pitiful lack of talent outside of Hendrickson on that defensive line has helped teams zero in on stopping only him whenever they play against Cincinnati. Coming to the Chargers, with or without defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, would be enough to bump his production up.
While the Chargers will need to focus primarily on improving the offensive line depth and adding to Justin Herbert's skill position player collection, the defensive line needs one more big name on it to take the unit from good to great, and Hendrickson would be one hell of a way to check that box.
Hendrickson is likely going to eye teams that will give him a chance of chasing a championship after spending years on a Bengals team that needs weekly Joe Burrow masterclasses to truly compete, and coming to the Chargers could help make him the X-factor that turns this team from a very good one to a possible Super Bowl opponent.