Free agency hasn't even started, yet this is quickly becoming a wild offseason in the NFL. Seemingly every star player wants out of their current teams, setting up a potentially chaotic few weeks.
DK Metcalf's trade request has understandably caught Green Bay Packers fans' attention, but he isn't the only Pro Bowler potentially on the move this offseason.
Cincinnati Bengals star edge-rusher Trey Hendrickson has joined Metcalf on the trade block. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Bengals have granted Hendrickson permission to search for a trade.
Analysts throw around the "superstar" tag far too often, but Hendrickson absolutely fits that description. He is a first-team All-Pro, a four-time Pro Bowler, and one of the few truly elite pass-rushers. Hendrickson led the NFL in sacks with an incredible 17.5 this past season, the same total he reached in 2023. Since the start of 2020, he has 70.5 sacks and 137 quarterback hits.
The Packers desperately need pass-rush help, but it leaves one question. Who's the better trade target: Hendrickson or Metcalf?
Sure, they play different positions, but the Packers need help in both areas. There are several factors, including trade compensation and future contracts, but Hendrickson is the easy winner.
Trey Hendrickson trade would take Packers' defense into another stratosphere
Put yourself in Brian Gutekunst's shoes. He must address areas of need along the defensive line, wide receiver, and cornerback. He can use free agency or the trade market to find some pieces to the puzzle, but the others will have to wait until the draft.
Trading for Metcalf could cost the Packers a first-round pick. Hendrickson's price tag is likely higher. Green Bay would have to part ways with multiple premium picks, perhaps in the region of a first and second.
Both players have one season remaining on their contracts and want multi-year extensions.
Hendrickson will likely command a contract in a similar range to the massive extension the Las Vegas Raiders just handed Maxx Crosby, which is worth $106.5 million with $91.5 million guaranteed over three years. The Packers would have to pay around $35 million per year.
Metcalf's deal could easily eclipse the $30 million-per-year range. Justin Jefferson leads the league at a $35 million salary. Metcalf's new deal could be more affordable than Hendrickson's, but not by much.
Here's the key difference: Hendrickson plays a premium position. It's hard to find elite pass-rushers, and he is among the best in football.
It's not just his unfathomable sack number, either. Per ESPN, Hendrickson's 24 percent pass-rush win rate ranked second among edge defenders. According to Pro Football Focus, he ranked third in the league for pressures with 83.
Compare that to Rashan Gary's 49 pressures.
Speaking of Gary, trading for Hendrickson would make his life far easier. Gary would become the Packers' No. 2 edge-rusher, which creates more one-on-one matchups and could allow him to make a far greater impact on the game.
The Packers rarely make blockbuster trades and part ways with premium draft capital. They likely won't for Hendrickson. But if they are considering making a big splash to upgrade an area of need, a move for Hendrickson should take priority over Metcalf.