Could Trey Hendrickson Be the Defensive Spark the Chiefs Need?
In Super Bowl LIX, the Kansas City Chiefs came up short—not because of their offense, but because their defense failed when it mattered most. While Patrick Mahomes and the offensive unit delivered fireworks, the defense faltered, unable to stop a well-prepared Eagles offense. Injuries to key players like Chris Jones and Charles Omenihu left the defensive front compromised, and Philadelphia exposed that vulnerability with ease, slicing through blitz packages designed by coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
Now, with Jones’ contract situation unclear and Omenihu recovering from a torn ACL, Kansas City is clearly in need of another top-tier pass-rusher—someone disruptive, reliable, and built for the playoffs. That need has brought Trey Hendrickson into the spotlight.
Trey, come to KC.
— Bobby Stroupe (@bobbystroupe) May 13, 2025
The buzz around Hendrickson started when Bobby Stroupe, Patrick Mahomes’ personal trainer and close confidant, posted a direct message on X: “Trey, come to KC.” Though it could be seen as off-season humor, Stroupe has long been involved in Mahomes’ inner circle, and his words carry real weight. His message came at a time when the Chiefs are known for bold roster decisions and might be willing to stretch the salary cap to keep their Super Bowl window open.
Hendrickson isn’t just another name. He’s one of the league’s most effective pass-rushers, with 39.5 sacks over the last three seasons—ranking among the top five in the NFL. He’s made three Pro Bowls and has proven himself in the postseason, including two AFC Championship appearances. ESPN stats back it up: among edge rushers with over 300 pass-rush snaps last year, Hendrickson had the second-best win rate. He knows how to get to the quarterback—and that’s exactly what Kansas City needs.
The Chiefs, despite finishing second in points allowed during the 2024 regular season, relied heavily on blitzes and coverage from their secondary to compensate for a waning edge rush. That strategy collapsed in the Super Bowl. With Mahomes still operating at an elite level, Kansas City’s championship hopes hinge on a defense that can close in crunch time.
Meanwhile, in Cincinnati, Hendrickson is growing increasingly frustrated with the Bengals’ front office. Though they added a year to his deal in 2023 to keep him through 2025, Hendrickson has made it clear that it wasn’t enough. His comments to the media suggest a lack of serious negotiations and broken expectations. “There are unprovoked shark attacks, and there are provoked shark attacks,” he said cryptically, signaling deep dissatisfaction with the team’s handling of his future.
More pointedly, Hendrickson revealed that there’s been no contact between his representatives and the Bengals since the NFL Draft—despite prior conversations about an extension. He implied the situation had turned cold, and that coaches are aware of the disconnect. His tone suggested a man who may already be preparing for a departure.
Now, Cincinnati must decide: trade Hendrickson while he still holds top value, or offer a multi-year extension to keep him satisfied. And with Bobby Stroupe’s nudge, Kansas City could be the team ready to strike. Their core is intact, but the defensive edge is under pressure—literally. Hendrickson might be the missing piece that helps transform the Chiefs’ Super Bowl potential into another ring.