For the Bears, adding Hendrickson would address a clear early-area weakness: producing consistent pressure off the edge. Chicago finished 2025 tied for 22nd in sacks (35) and often relied on extra blitzes, making a proven finisher like Hendrickson an appealing complement to Montez Sweat and the defense overall.
Hendrickson has 81 career sacks and back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons in 2023 and 2024, with at least 13.5 sacks in four of the last five healthy seasons. Even in an injury-shortened 2025 campaign, he posted four sacks in seven games before undergoing core muscle surgery, illustrating sustained production and impact.
There is a notable alignment here besides on-field fit: Hendrickson spent four seasons in New Orleans under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who now leads Chicago’s defense. That familiarity could help Chicago maximize Hendrickson’s pass-rush talents and integration into the scheme.
Financially, there are questions. Hendrickson is 31 and coming off surgery, and the Bengals could pursue a franchise tag or tag-and-trade scenario. If he hits free agency, projections suggest a one-year deal around $21 million or a two-year contract near $50 million, reflecting his recent production and age.
Ultimately, a Hendrickson addition would signal a broader shift for the Bears—from a solid playoff team to a potential Super Bowl contender. Building off an 11-win season and a playoff victory in Year 1 under head coach Ben Johnson, Chicago’s defense would take a meaningful step forward by adding a proven, disruptive edge presence.
