Brian Gutekunst doesn't like to burn premium draft capital to acquire veterans, but Trey Hendrickson is enough of a difference-maker to at least consider it.
The Green Bay Packers' inactivity in searching for a pass-rusher has understandably left fans wondering what the plan is. Gutekunst surely can't rely on Lukas Van Ness, who hasn't started an NFL game, to provide consistent pressure opposite Rashan Gary.
Even Gary, once tipped as a future All-Pro, has never elevated his game to those heights. His 7.5 sacks and 15 quarterback hits left the Packers needing far more from their top pass-rusher.
Hendrickson would change the game. He has made almost as many sacks (35) in the past two seasons as Gary in his six-year career (39). He is the reigning NFL sack champion and could fix the Packers' biggest positional need.
There's a but. Of course there is.
Gutekunst was never likely to pay premium draft capital and hand Hendrickson a new top-of-the-market extension. Now, we can pretty much guarantee the dream is over.
Danielle Hunter extension basically ruins any chance of Packers trading for Trey Hendrickson
Danielle Hunter has created enough problems for the Packers over the years, having made four Pro Bowls during his near-decade run with the Minnesota Vikings. Now, his poorly-timed mega-extension may have hurt his former rival again.
As NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported this week, Hunter landed a one-year extension worth $35.6 million. That's not a typo.
It's notable because Hunter is the same age as Hendrickson. Hunter now becomes the second-highest-paid defensive end in the NFL, raising the bar for negotiations over Hendrickson's new deal.
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Hunter had a dominant 2024 season for the Texans but still finished with 5.5 sacks fewer than Hendrickson. There's a strong chance the Cincinnati Bengals or a trading team will hand Hendrickson an extension in the same range.
Brian Gutekunst has left the chat.
It was already unlikely enough, but there's no chance Gutekunst will part ways with premium draft capital for a 30-year-old player he must hand a $35 million+ extension to. Not happening.
Unfortunately, the Packers are out of luck in their search for a veteran pass-rusher. Their only solution is to hit on a draft pick or two and hope Gary and Van Ness elevate their level of play. It's a risky strategy.
Barring a miracle, the Packers' Hendrickson trade dreams are likely over.