For the first time in years, the Cleveland Browns won’t have another huge name lining up on the opposite side of Myles Garrett. The past few years, we’ve seen Jadeveon Clowney and Za’Darius Smith take that role, and this year it will be guys like Alex Wright, Isaiah McGuire, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, and Julian Okwara trying to fill that role.
Three weeks ago, had you told me the Browns were interested in Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals, it would have made a lot of sense. But after watching the depth of the Browns' defensive line (especially defensive end), I don’t think the rumors of the Browns being interested are true, which Mary Kay Cabot also reported today.
The #Browns always check into great players like the #Bengals' Trey Hendrickson when they become available, but I don't get the sense they're seriously pursuing him.
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 18, 2025
There is speculation that the Bengals are looking for a first-round pick and a defensive player in return. Yes, the Browns have the Jaguars' first-round pick of 2026 to play with, but Hendrickson is already 30 years old and would need a new contract. The Browns could manage the cap situation, but with so many of the young guys playing well in preseason, Andrew Berry is likely just gauging the temperature of what it would cost to get a guy like Hendrickson.
The Browns have a history under Berry to make a call on many players, but typically aren’t willing to overspend (unless the player's name is Deshaun Watson). We can’t forget that the Bengals would be unlikely to play ball with the Browns either, as they would then face Hendrickson twice per year as division rivals.
The bottom line, checking in on the Hendrickson market makes total sense for the Browns, but don’t expect them to act.