The Denver Broncos have what is the best defense in the NFL in the minds of some, but could it get even better?
Things have gone awry between the Cincinnati Bengals and their star pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson and Hendrickson recently stated that without a new contract, he will not play for the Bengals this season. Could that lead to the Bengals trading their best defensive player?
Should that happen, Matthew Sullivan of Athlon Sports sees the Broncos as the team to get Hendrickson.
"Adding Hendrickson, coming off back-to-back 17.5 sack seasons, to the defensive line would create not only one of the best defensive fronts in the NFL, but also the best defenses in the NFL.
The cornerbacks, safeties, linebackers, and defensive linemen would all be top-class and could lead to a massive resurgence for the Broncos in the AFC West.
Following the Kansas City Chiefs getting blown out in the Super Bowl, the window seems a lot more open for Denver. Adding Hendrickson and committing to having a dominant pass rush, similar to what the Philadelphia Eagles showcased against the Chiefs in the Super Bowl, is a recipe for success.
While this trade idea would be a bold move, if the Broncos want to try for a Super Bowl with Nix on his rookie deal, it seems like 2025 may be the best shot they'll get", wrote Sullivan.
Sullivan predicts that the full trade would look like this:
Broncos receive: DE Trey Hendrickson
Bengals receive: DE John Franklin-Myers, 2026 3rd-round pick, 2026 4th-round pick
It would be a great move for the Broncos to land Hendrickson, but this is an expensive trade to make. The Broncos give up two premium draft picks in the deal. It makes sense to include John Franklin-Myers, as the Broncos may have a hard time re-signing him after the season, but that could be the case with Hendrickson as well.
Remember, the contract is the reason he wants out of Cincinnati, and he's due $15.8 million this season. Set to be a free agent after the year, it wouldn't make sense to give all of that up if you aren't going to give him a huge deal yourself.
The Broncos could use the fact that Bo Nix is still on his rookie deal to get a big contract with Hendrickson done, but it wouldn't come without other costs, as both Nik Bonitto and Courtland Sutton will be looking for new contracts after the season.
Sean Payton was with the New Orleans Saints when they made Hendrickson a third-round pick in 2017. After four seasons there, he signed with the Bengals as a free agent. He has made the Pro Bowl in each of his four seasons since and has 77 sacks for his career. His 17.5 sacks in 2024 led the entire NFL. Having recently turned 30 years old, Hendrickson is one of the best defensive players in the NFL and he would make a major impact in the Mile High City.
It could require some maneuvering by the front office to make this happen, but it could be worth it if the Bengals would agree to a deal.
MORE BRONCOS CONTENT
Broncos set to travel to London in Week 6 to face the New York Jets
Broncos predicted to land exciting deep threat in exchange for fifth-round pick
Broncos cut 4 players after signing 4 others from tryouts in minicamp
Broncos made big mistake with one of their 2025 draft picks according to analyst
Denver Broncos would likely scoff at predicted trade with Pittsburgh Steelers