For over a decade, the Atlanta Falcons have desperately sought a reliable sack artist, a position they have failed to adequately fill through both the draft and free agency. The situation has been exacerbated by the lack of significant action by Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot to address the issue. While Fontenot has inquired about potential acquisitions such as Montez Sweat, Brian Burns, and Danielle Hunter, no tangible progress has been made. However, recent developments may have presented a golden opportunity for the Falcons to finally address their glaring need. According to Adam Schefter, star Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson has officially requested a trade out of Cincinnati. The 29-year-old, who is set to earn $14.8 million in 2024 and $15.8 million in 2025, is seeking a more lucrative long-term commitment from his next team.
Hendrickson’s trade request perfectly aligns with the Falcons’ urgent need for a pass rusher. The Falcons currently boast arguably the weakest group of EDGE rushers in the league, a deficiency that cannot be solely remedied by a rookie. They require a proven performer, and few fit that description better than Hendrickson. Coming off a career-best season with 17.5 sacks, a Falcons franchise record, Hendrickson has earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections and recorded 13.5 or more sacks in three of the past four seasons. He represents an elite talent at the Falcons’ most pressing position of need.
Furthermore, Hendrickson shares a connection with Terry Fontenot, having been drafted by the Saints in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft when Fontenot served as Mickey Loomis’ right-hand man. Fontenot undoubtedly played a role in bringing Hendrickson to New Orleans, and now he has an ideal opportunity to reunite with him in Atlanta. The Falcons possess their full complement of draft picks and are in a favorable salary cap position, enabling them to execute a trade for Hendrickson and offer him the contract extension he desires. Fontenot should waste no time in contacting Bengals general manager Duke Tobin, as Trey Hendrickson could be the savior Falcons fans have been longing for since the offseason commenced.
