Proposed Steelers Trade for Trey Hendrickson Sends Draft Picks, Veteran EDGE to Bengals

PITTSBURGH -- If the Pittsburgh Steelers aim to boost their Super Bowl chances in 2025, they should go all-in on trading for Cincinnati Bengals star Trey Hendrickson, sources told ESPN on May 15, 2025. The edge rusher could transform Pittsburgh’s defensive front.

Hendrickson and the Bengals are locked in a contract dispute that appears headed for a messy end. The four-time Pro Bowler has publicly criticized his team multiple times in 2025, making a trade feel increasingly inevitable, per NFL.com.

Meanwhile, the Steelers lost their veteran edge rusher Larry Ogunjobi to the Buffalo Bills in free agency and face uncertainty with Alex Highsmith’s lingering knee injury, leaving a gap opposite T.J. Watt, per PFF.

With this in mind, Steelers Depot has proposed a blockbuster trade sending two draft picks and Cameron Heyward to Cincinnati for Hendrickson and a draft pick:

• Steelers receive: Trey Hendrickson, 2026 third-round pick.

• Bengals receive: 2026 first-round pick, 2027 fourth-round pick, Cameron Heyward.

This deal could benefit both sides. The Bengals gain valuable draft capital and Heyward (8.5 sacks in 2024) as a short-term replacement for Hendrickson. While sending a third-rounder stings, a mid-round pick could seal the trade, per The Athletic.

For Pittsburgh, Hendrickson, who led the NFL with 14.5 sacks in 2024, is a clear upgrade over Highsmith, instantly elevating their Super Bowl odds. His addition would pair with Watt to form a fearsome pass-rush duo, per Yahoo Sports.

Hendrickson will likely demand a contract extension, with estimates of $35-$40 million per year. Fortunately, Pittsburgh’s $32 million cap space, bolstered by rookie QB Will Howard’s low-cost deal, can accommodate the reigning sack leader’s demands, per Spotrac.

General manager Omar Khan has been aggressive, securing DK Metcalf and Mike Hilton this offseason. If Hendrickson hits the trade block, Khan’s bold approach could land the star to anchor Pittsburgh’s defense, per SI.com.