Titans Need an Edge Defender; Elite Pass Rusher Trey Hendrikson Could Be Available

Cincinnati Bengals edge defender Trey Hendrickson, whose 17.5 quarterback sacks ranked second in the NFL in 2023, has requested a trade. Pass rusher is one of the Tennessee Titans' position needs entering Thursday night's NFL Draft.

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) wraps up Minnesota Vikings quarterback Nick | Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY

NASHVILLE — Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson's trade request fewer than 24 hours before the NFL Draft could have several teams reconsidering their options. As it happens, the Tennessee Titans need a pass rusher.

Hendrickson had a a career-high 17.5 sacks last season, which was second in the National Football League behind T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the past three seasons, Hendrickson has 39.5 sacks and a Pro Bowl appearance.

The Bengals signed Hendrickson to a four-year, $60-million deal during the 2021 offseason. According to Roster Management System, Hendrickson received a one-year contract extension last year worth $21 million, which included an $8 million signing bonus. The 29-year-old would make $14.8 million in 2024 and $15.8 million in 2025.

The Titans lost their leading sacker Denico Autry in free agency to the Houston Texans. They still have $25,566,201 in effective cap space, according to overthecap.com.

Hendrickson is the second Bengal to request a trade this offseason. Wide receiver and Tennessee native Tee Higgins also asked for a trade. Titans coach Brian Callahan, the Bengals' offensive coordinator from 2019 to 2023, knows both players well.

How to watch the NFL Draft

• THURSDAY: Round 1, 7 p.m. CT
• FRIDAY: Rounds 2-3, 6 p.m. CT
• SATURDAY: Rounds 4-7, 11 a.m. CT
• HOW TO WATCH: NFL Network, NFL+, ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes

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