Packers Held Talks for Trey Hendrickson Before Acquiring Micah Parsons
Green Bay explored a trade with Cincinnati that could have included defensive tackle Kenny Clark before finalizing the blockbuster move for Micah Parsons
The Green Bay Packers engaged the Cincinnati Bengals in discussions about acquiring edge rusher Trey Hendrickson before completing their Aug. 28 trade for Micah Parsons, NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport said Sunday.
Rapoport reported that the Packers explored multiple avenues to bolster their pass rush, including talks about a deal for the 2024 NFL sack leader. Those conversations continued until Hendrickson agreed in August to a reworked contract for the 2025 season worth $29 million, effectively ending immediate trade speculation.
Green Bay also discussed potential packages that could have involved defensive tackle Kenny Clark, who ultimately was part of the trade that sent Parsons to the Packers. In the deal finalized at the end of August, the Packers acquired Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys and sent Clark along with two first-round draft picks to Dallas. Parsons was signed to a four-year extension worth $188 million with $136 million guaranteed upon arriving in Green Bay.
Hendrickson, a 2017 third-round pick, registered 17.5 sacks in each of the past two seasons and has compiled 77 sacks over an eight-year career with the New Orleans Saints and Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati had given Hendrickson permission to seek a trade ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, league sources said.
The Packers’ pursuit of Hendrickson underscores Green Bay’s priority to improve its front seven after an offseason that culminated in the high-profile acquisition of Parsons, a four-time Pro Bowler. The conversations with Cincinnati took place as the Packers weighed different roster and contract scenarios to address a pass rush that finished below the league’s elite level in recent seasons.
Parsons, 26, is expected to make his Packers debut Sunday when Green Bay opens its 2025 season at Lambeau Field against the Detroit Lions, but he is expected to be limited because of a back issue, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported. Parsons told reporters Thursday that he has faith in the Packers’ training staff and coaches as they manage his return.
The Bengals, meanwhile, will open their season Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. Cincinnati’s decision to rework Hendrickson’s contract and keep him on the roster removes an immediate trade option for Green Bay, though league personnel moves and injuries could reopen dialogue later in the season.
NFL Network’s Rapoport first reported the Packers’ discussions with Cincinnati, and reporting from ESPN and team announcements confirmed the terms of Parsons’ contract and his anticipated Week 1 status. Kickoff between Green Bay and Detroit is set for 4:25 p.m. ET.