While the LA Chargers haven't been circled as a primary destination for Cincinnati Bengals' edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, Los Angeles does have the resources to take a swing on the All-Pro with his situation in Cincy quickly deteriorating.
However, the Chargers may have the resources but the latest price tag for Hendrickson is not worth the production. The price likely won't be bad trade-wise, it's the contract Hendrickson is asking for that is a deterrent.
Hendrickson and the Bengals have been unable to come to terms on a new deal even though the latter has seemingly offered a fair contract. According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the Bengals have offered Hendrickson a deal in the range of $28 million per season. Based on how the situation has played out, it's safe to say that number isn't enough for Hendrickson.
Trey Hendrickson's contract demands should end any and all Chargers' interest
It's unclear whether or not the Chargers have real interest in adding Hendrickson this offseason. After all, the Chargers don't need to add another edge rusher after re-signing Khalil Mack and drafting Kyle Kennard in the 2025 NFL Draft.
That being said, general manager Joe Hortiz is all about maximizing the roster where possible. Hortiz will never pass on any trade that makes the Chargers a better team at a reasonable price, including a Hendrickson deal.
The reasonable price contingency is now out the window. If this report from Florio is true, the Bengals are offering an extremely fair AAV to Hendrickson amid the contract negotiations. It is unclear how long this contract is for, but a $28 million salary is more than fair.
Hendrickson's camp is likely balking at this number because of the contracts recently signed by edge rushers. Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett recently signed extensions that pay them $35.5 million and $40 million per year, respectively. After recording 33 combined sacks the last two seasons, Hendrickson likely views himself in that same conversation.
As great as Hendrickson in, he is not Crosby or Garrett. A $28 million annual salary is a $7 million raise and puts him right next to T.J. Watt among edge rushers. Sure, the market has grown since Watt signed his deal, but Hendrickson is in the twilight of his prime. It would be different if he were in the start of his prime, which is where he was when he signed with the Bengals in 2021.
Will a team shell up a salary closer to $35 million to trade for Hendrickson? Perhaps. But that team should not be the LA Chargers. Los Angeles has the cap space, sure, but Hendrickson was only ever a possibility if the price made sense.
This price does not make sense for the Chargers.