Could Morgan be eyeing Trey Hendrickson

[Jackson113.2]

Carolina Panthers projected to take massive swing for Trey Hendrickson in free agency

And one ESPN analyst believes the Panthers have a clear path to one blockbuster free-agent signing that would shake the NFL to its foundations.

Aaron Schatz thought the Panthers make a ton of sense for edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, whose time with the Cincinnati Bengals looks up. This isn't the sort of signing Morgan typically goes for, but Carolina is ready to win now. That changes the landscape considerably.

"The Panthers will pay big money to Trey Hendrickson. The Panthers ranked 24th in pass rush win rate this season, and while they took two edge rushers high in the 2025 draft (Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen), they could use a steady veteran to lead the attack."

Aaron Schatz, ESPN

Acquiring Hendrickson won't be cheap. The NFL's sack leader in 2023 and 2024 should be in high demand on the open market, and the Bengals will likely allow him to explore other employment opportunities. It would be an all-in move from Morgan, but the rewards might be substantial as the Panthers look to get over the hump.

Hendrickson is an elite pass-rusher. His relentless motor, exceptional technique, and violent hands make him a legitimate force that very few around the league can match. He may be 31 years old now, but there is nothing to suggest that he cannot keep performing well at the tail-end of his playing journey.

According to Spotrac, Hendrickson is expected to command an annual salary of $25.44 million on a two-year, $50.89 million deal. The Panthers would have to move some money around to make it work, but now is the time to strike after winning the NFC South and making the playoffs in 2025.

https://catcrave.com/panthers-might-be-sitting-bombshell-free-agent-splash-that-rattles-nfl?fbclid=IwY2xjawPbPhBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR72KbrmxZzxalgaGqf86zp1Y6dUeyZqW6GsWP5InhG1BFjr6EQ78felypdTnw_aem_jPLn7ptGlzbuMjk4aXXLLQ

Edited 1 hour ago by Jackson113.2

[PantherChris]

Thats a lot of money for a 31 year old coming off a bad season who isn't a scheme fit.

[Jackson113.2]

[electro's horse]

Thanks for posting a blog post, I guess 

[MHS831]

• Here is how I see it:

Hendrickson is 4-5 years past the normal prime for an edge rusher.  However, the smart, elite edge rushers can play into their 30s.  So we would be taking a risk against the odds.  I see him as an elite, smart player,  but in 2025, he only played an average of 15 snaps per game.  

We'd be paying him about 1.5 million per game, or $100,000 per snap at that rate.

Hendrickson is 270, which makes him a guy who can rush inside or outside, hold the edge, and thus, be productive vs. the pass or run.   We have 2 guys (Scourton and Jones II) who do that pretty well.  Jones' salary is $10m.  

I see our need as a pass-rushing specialist, hoping that Princely picks up that role rotationally at least, in 2026.

Here is what AI says about age, and it does not lie:

An NFL edge rusher's prime typically falls

between ages 24 and 28, with peak production often seen around 27, though elite players maintain high production into their early 30s, with some legends excelling even later, demonstrating that while decline can start, great pass rushers defy age norms and can sustain elite play. 

Peak Production Trends

• Early 20s (21-23): Players develop, with younger cohorts showing less immediate impact, but 23-year-olds often show significant pressure generation.
• Mid-to-Late 20s (24-28): This is the sweet spot, with the 27-year-old age group frequently leading the league in pressures and elite seasons occurring in this window.
• Early 30s (30+): While some decline begins, many top edge rushers remain highly effective, with stars like T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett demonstrating exceptional play well past 30, defying the average career trajectory. 

Key Factors

• Physicality & Technique: Edge rushers need strength and speed, but mastery of pass-rush moves often develops later, allowing for sustained success.
• Individual Variation: Elite players like Bruce Smith and T.J. Watt show that exceptional talent and health can extend prime years significantly, with some even having more sacks after 30 than before. 

[OldhamA]

No thank you.

[mrcompletely11]

26 minutes ago, Jackson113.2 said:

Carolina Panthers projected to take massive swing for Trey Hendrickson in free agency

And one ESPN analyst believes the Panthers have a clear path to one blockbuster free-agent signing that would shake the NFL to its foundations.

Aaron Schatz thought the Panthers make a ton of sense for edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, whose time with the Cincinnati Bengals looks up. This isn't the sort of signing Morgan typically goes for, but Carolina is ready to win now. That changes the landscape considerably.

"The Panthers will pay big money to Trey Hendrickson. The Panthers ranked 24th in pass rush win rate this season, and while they took two edge rushers high in the 2025 draft (Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen), they could use a steady veteran to lead the attack."

Aaron Schatz, ESPN

Acquiring Hendrickson won't be cheap. The NFL's sack leader in 2023 and 2024 should be in high demand on the open market, and the Bengals will likely allow him to explore other employment opportunities. It would be an all-in move from Morgan, but the rewards might be substantial as the Panthers look to get over the hump.

Hendrickson is an elite pass-rusher. His relentless motor, exceptional technique, and violent hands make him a legitimate force that very few around the league can match. He may be 31 years old now, but there is nothing to suggest that he cannot keep performing well at the tail-end of his playing journey.

According to Spotrac, Hendrickson is expected to command an annual salary of $25.44 million on a two-year, $50.89 million deal. The Panthers would have to move some money around to make it work, but now is the time to strike after winning the NFC South and making the playoffs in 2025.

https://catcrave.com/panthers-might-be-sitting-bombshell-free-agent-splash-that-rattles-nfl?fbclid=IwY2xjawPbPhBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR72KbrmxZzxalgaGqf86zp1Y6dUeyZqW6GsWP5InhG1BFjr6EQ78felypdTnw_aem_jPLn7ptGlzbuMjk4aXXLLQ

Yeah, no.  Don't do that dan

[Jackson113.2]

It just doesn't seem like it's Morgan's MO to get an older vet..

[Jackson113.2]

1 minute ago, mrcompletely11 said:

Yeah, no.  Don't do that dan

Got to save money for BY9 big contract  

[jb2288]

25M for him feels crazy cheap. I’d pay that for 2 years

[Jay Roosevelt]

At his age, pass. Wish he was 5 years younger.

[Jon Snow]

Desperate teams do stupid moves like this. But it's not my money so have at it.

[Shocker]

He would make a big difference so why not

[Growl]

Person said on the radio he feels like there’s a good chance of this from discussions he’s had. As I mentioned in other thread, after the platoon model went so poorly this past season I imagine they will have their guys and go get them this offseason.