The Patriots decided to focus on improving the defense in free agency, given their league-high cap space and endless upgrades needed to be made. That allowed them to concentrate offensively in the draft while also adding some more key pieces to the roster.

With still an estimated $67 million remaining in cap space, there are a few moves left to be made, including some big-time trades, which might be more relevant now with the latest update out of Cincinnati.

One of the biggest concerns surrounding the Patriots’ defense in recent years has been their pass rush. They seemed to find the solution when signing Matthew Judon, who consistently led the team in sacks during his three-year tenure. After he was traded last offseason, that production was missed, and the defense made virtually no impact, leading Mike Vrabel and Co. to sign and draft players to fill the void.

But there are still concerns from NFL analysts that they might not have done enough to ensure the pass rush will be what it needs to be for the 2025 season. That inevitably puts them near the top of the list to potentially trade for the disgruntled Trey Hendrickson.

Hearing that the Bengals are playing hardball with the player who has made up essentially their entire defense over the last few seasons opens the door for the Patriots to inquire about a trade that previously looked shut down.

The Patriots could boost their pass rush by acquiring the impressive Trey Hendrickson

With the offense seemingly ironed out, the Patriots have room to make more upgrades to the offense by pulling off a blockbuster trade for Hendrickson. It won’t be cheap and won’t please every fan, but it’s hard to argue against trading for an experienced player who recorded 35 sacks over the last two seasons.

The 30-year-old has been on a hot streak, even leading the league in sacks in 2024, and is looking to be compensated accordingly. Because the Bengals enjoy dragging these situations out, as we saw with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, it’s unsurprising they have decided to do that with their best defensive weapon.

If they continue the lack of communication, Hendrickson has made it clear he will not suit up for the Bengals this upcoming season. That could prompt the team to trade him before things get too ugly, and the Patriots have the means to get a deal done.

Adding the 4-time Pro Bowler to their defensive line would solidify Vrabel’s goal of improving the roster from top to bottom to the best of their abilities. This would mean they added two of the most desirable free agents in CB Carlton Davis and Milton Williams, while also adding impressive talent to the draft. And if they then pull off a massive trade for Hendrickson? The defense will be unlike anything New England has seen in quite some time.

Hendrickson would immediately elevate their defensive impact, which has been lacking over the last few years, and raise the chance of the team being an overall threat this season.

Getting the trade done would prove even more that Vrabel and Eliot Wolf are living up to their word and want to make the Patriots into contenders, especially since they could immediately offer Hendrickson a contract extension to keep him on the team for years to come.