The Buffalo Bills ignited the NFL on Day 2 of the 2025 Draft, landing Cincinnati Bengals’ star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson in a blockbuster trade. The move replaces Von Miller’s production, arming Josh Allen with a ferocious pass rush for a Super Bowl run.
The Bills sent picks No. 56, 109, a 2026 third-rounder, and running back James Cook to Cincinnati for Hendrickson. The Bengals, eyeing draft capital after Ja’Marr Chase’s $161 million extension, secured a versatile back and picks to rebuild their roster.
“Hendrickson’s a beast,” said NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks. “The Bills just grabbed an elite closer to dominate alongside Allen.”
Cook’s trade ends months of drama, with his $15 million demand clashing against Brandon Beane’s $12 million offer, compounded by his Orchard Park home sale. Beane’s pivot to Hendrickson, a 2024 Defensive Player of the Year runner-up, prioritizes a defense that allowed 68.5% pass completions last season.
“We got our guy,” Beane told The Buffalo News’ Ryan O’Halloran. “Hendrickson gives Allen the edge to bury opponents.”
Hendrickson, with 17.5 sacks in each of the past two seasons and a 90.2 PFF pass-rush grade, instantly becomes Buffalo’s DE1. His speed rush and relentless motor pair with Greg Rousseau, offsetting Joey Bosa’s injury risks and Michael Hoecht’s six-game suspension in 2025.
With $5.3 million in cap space, the Bills retain pick No. 62 to target a receiver like Isaiah Bond. Beane’s offseason haul—Justin Simmons, Tre’Davious White, Treylon Burks—gains a superstar, rivaling the Jaguars’ Day 1 Travis Hunter splash.
Hendrickson’s arrival makes the Bills legitimate threats to dethrone the Chiefs. As the draft continues, Buffalo’s bold trade reshapes their championship path.
