The Seattle Seahawks remain committed to strengthening their defense. After re-signing most of their key defensive contributors from last season, they made a splash in free agency by adding veteran edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence. With a unit that already ranked in the top 10, expectations are high for even greater success in 2025.
Still, one surprising move during the 2025 NFL Draft was general manager John Schneider’s decision not to select an edge rusher. Of the team’s 11 draft picks, nine were offensive players. The only defensive additions were a safety and defensive lineman Rylie Mills.
Mills, recovering from an injury, projects more as a traditional interior lineman than an edge threat. While Lawrence adds experience to the roster, Seattle is also counting on younger pass rushers like Boye Mafe and Derick Hall. However, Mafe is entering the final year of his rookie deal, creating some long-term uncertainty at the position.
The Seahawks should aggressively pursue a trade of disgruntled Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson
A key unknown—known only to John Schneider and head coach Mike Macdonald—is just how much the Seahawks are willing to invest in Boye Mafe. While Mafe is a talented player, he has yet to record a 10-sack season, despite showing early-season promise. His biggest issue has been maintaining that momentum through the latter half of the year.
By contrast, Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals has proven to be a consistent performer. He’s tallied 17.5 sacks in consecutive seasons and is also solid against the run. With his current contract set to expire after the 2025 season, Hendrickson has publicly stated he wants an extension.
Although the Bengals have prioritized deals for wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase, they haven’t extended the same attention to one of their top defensive players.
An ESPN report recently noted that there’s been no communication between Hendrickson’s camp and the Bengals since the 2025 NFL Draft. While the team’s ownership had previously suggested they would pursue an extension for him, that now appears doubtful.
This situation presents an opportunity for Schneider. Now would be an ideal time to make repeated calls to the Bengals to explore a potential trade. A deal involving Mafe and a 2026 draft pick in exchange for Hendrickson could be mutually beneficial.
Although both players will likely command high salaries in 2026, Hendrickson has clearly outperformed Mafe to this point.
If Schneider and Macdonald believe the Seahawks are in striking distance of contending this season, Hendrickson would be a worthwhile gamble. He’ll want a new deal, but Seattle has the cap space to make that happen right away.
Yes, Hendrickson is over 30, but he hasn’t shown any decline. Over the next three years, he could be the difference-maker Seattle needs to push for a Super Bowl title.
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