Eagles Connected to Blockbuster Trade for $21 Million Star with NFL Draft Looming

April 22, 2025

PHILADELPHIA – Howie Roseman and the Philadelphia Eagles are no strangers to bold draft-week moves. Could they be plotting another blockbuster in the 2025 NFL Draft? Sources suggest the Eagles are eyeing a trade for a $21 million star to bolster their defense.

With the draft kicking off Thursday night, the Eagles hold the No. 32 overall pick and face needs at edge rusher, wide receiver, and linebacker. While they could address these with picks, Roseman’s history of splashy trades points to a potential deal for a proven veteran.

Eagles fans are buzzing over a proposed trade with the Cincinnati Bengals to land edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. Thomas Valentine of Pro Football Focus floated the idea, citing Philadelphia’s need for a dominant pass rusher to complement their Super Bowl-caliber roster.

Valentine’s trade sees Hendrickson and the No. 153 pick heading to Philly for the No. 64 second-round pick. Post-trade, the Eagles would need to ink Hendrickson, a 30-year-old All-Pro, to a long-term extension, likely north of $30 million annually (Spotrac).

“Hendrickson’s 88.1 PFF grade in 2024 was a career high, leading the NFL with 17.5 sacks,” Valentine noted. “His 83 pressures tied Myles Garrett. If Cincinnati moves him, Philly could pounce, sending the No. 64 pick for the elite edge and No. 153. He’d transform their pass rush.”

The Eagles, fresh off a 14-3 season and a wild-card win over Green Bay, ranked 10th in sack rate (7.8%, ESPN). Haason Reddick’s 11 sacks led, but Bryce Huff and Nolan Smith underperformed. Hendrickson could form a fearsome trio with Reddick and Jalen Carter.

Cincinnati, prioritizing extensions for Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, may trade Hendrickson, who’s in the final year of his $21 million deal. “We’re open to offers,” Bengals GM Duke Tobin said. Philly’s $52 million cap space can absorb a new contract (Over The Cap).

As draft night nears, this trade could catapult the Eagles to NFC supremacy. Trading a second-rounder for a 17.5-sack star is a no-brainer. Will Roseman strike, or lean on his No. 32 pick? Hendrickson could be Philly’s missing piece for a Super Bowl run.