Patriots Eyed as Potential Landing Spot for $25M Sack Specialist

New England could make a big splash in free agency to bolster their pass rush.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 9:31pm

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The New England Patriots are being mentioned as a potential landing spot for disgruntled Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, who is expected to command a lucrative contract in free agency worth over $25 million per year. The Patriots had the league's worst sack differential in 2025, and adding a premier pass-rushing talent like Hendrickson could help put them over the top after a Super Bowl loss.

Why it matters

The Patriots are looking to upgrade their pass rush this offseason after struggling to get to the quarterback in 2025. Signing Hendrickson, one of the top free agent pass rushers available, would be a major move that could significantly improve their defense and chances of returning to the Super Bowl.

The details

Trey Hendrickson is coming off a dominant 2025 season with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he recorded 16 sacks. He is expected to command a contract worth over $25 million per year on the open market. The Patriots had the league's worst sack differential in 2025, recording just 35 sacks while allowing 48. Adding a premier pass rusher like Hendrickson could help shore up that weakness.

  • The 2026 NFL free agency period begins on March 18.

The players

Trey Hendrickson

A 27-year-old defensive end who had 16 sacks for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2025, making him one of the top pass rushers set to hit free agency.

Mike Vrabel

The head coach of the New England Patriots, who will be looking to upgrade the team's pass rush this offseason after their Super Bowl loss.

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What they’re saying

“The Patriots made a big splash in free agency last offseason, and with a healthy amount of salary cap space, it wouldn't be surprising if they get aggressive again this year. The Patriots actually posted the league's worst sack differential last year, allowing 48 while recording 35. Mike Vrabel will be looking for pass-rush upgrades.”

— John Breech, CBS Sports Writer

What’s next

The Patriots will have to determine how much they are willing to spend to sign Trey Hendrickson in free agency, as he is expected to command a contract worth over $25 million per year.

The takeaway

The Patriots' struggles to generate a consistent pass rush in 2025 were a major factor in their Super Bowl loss, and signing a dominant pass rusher like Trey Hendrickson in free agency could be a game-changing move that helps them get back to the championship game.