Trey Hendrickson’s Shocking NFL Free Agency Moves After Maxx Crosby’s Jaw-Dropping Trade—What Happens Next?

The recent trade that sent Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders to the Baltimore Ravens is shaking up the NFL landscape, particularly for players like Trey Hendrickson. As reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Ravens exchanged their first-round draft picks in 2026 and 2027 for Crosby, marking a significant move that not only impacts the Ravens but also elevates Hendrickson’s value in the upcoming free agency period.

With Crosby now off the market, Hendrickson is widely viewed as the top available pass-rusher. This development enhances his leverage, as teams seeking defensive line talent will now turn their attention squarely to him. The legal tampering period for NFL free agency begins on Monday, and with Crosby's departure, Hendrickson is poised for a lucrative long-term deal that he has been chasing for the past few years.

Two teams frequently linked to Hendrickson since the end of the 2025 season are the Indianapolis Colts and the Dallas Cowboys. Both franchises are in dire need of an impactful pass-rusher, making them likely landing spots for the talented defensive end.

The Colts have a unique connection to Hendrickson through their defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo, who previously held the same position with the Cincinnati Bengals during Hendrickson's successful tenure in Cincinnati from 2021 to 2024. Under Anarumo’s guidance, Hendrickson had the best seasons of his career, accumulating 112 quarterback hits and 57 sacks, which included an NFL-high 17.5 sacks in 2024.

While Hendrickson is not primarily known for run defense, he has shown effectiveness in that area in the past. His true strength lies in his ability to pressure the quarterback, something the Colts desperately lacked last season. The Colts ranked 25th in run-stop win rate and 30th in pass-rush win rate, indicating a clear need for an upgrade in their defensive front.

On the other hand, the Cowboys are also in the market for a pass-rusher. Schefter reported that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was willing to offer a first- and second-round pick for Crosby, but the Ravens outbid them with two first-rounders. Despite their recent history of conservative spending in free agency—totaling just $54.8 million from 2020 to 2025, the lowest in the NFL—the Cowboys appear ready to change their approach this offseason.

Projections for Hendrickson's contract are estimated to range from $84 million to $99 million over three years, a significant sum that stands in stark contrast to what the Cowboys have typically spent. The Cowboys finished tied for 22nd in sacks (35) and allowed a staggering 30.1 points per game last season, highlighting their urgent need to bolster their defense if they aim to contend for a playoff spot in the NFC.

The Chicago Bears have also emerged as potential players in the Hendrickson sweepstakes. Recent roster moves, including Drew Dalman's retirement, DJ Moore's trade to the Buffalo Bills, and Tremaine Edmunds' release, have given the Bears a surprising $26.6 million in cap space. While signing Hendrickson would consume a large portion of that cap, the Bears are aware that a strong pass-rush could mitigate their defensive deficiencies. Last season, they boasted the second-worst pass-rush win rate in the NFL, with Montez Sweat leading the team with just 10 sacks out of a total of 35.

Moreover, a coaching connection could make the Bears an appealing option for Hendrickson. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen worked with Hendrickson during his time with the New Orleans Saints when Hendrickson was drafted in 2017. As the Bears look to build on a promising season under head coach Ben Johnson, acquiring a player of Hendrickson's caliber could position them as a formidable contender in the NFC.

As the NFL landscape shifts with the onset of free agency, Trey Hendrickson finds himself in an advantageous position. With teams like the Colts, Cowboys, and Bears eyeing him as a potential game-changing addition, the next few days will be critical for Hendrickson's career and financial future.