In Super Bowl LIX, the Kansas City Chiefs lost in a game where every inch counts. The explosive offense? Was electric. However, the defense? When it mattered most, it failed. Chris Jones was limited by injuries. Charles Omenihu, sidelined by a torn ACL, was unavailable when it mattered. And, the Eagles‘ offence, which saw every blitz coming a mile away, tore apart Steve Spagnuolo’s pressure packages like paper. Given the ambiguity surrounding Jones’ contract and Kansas City’s open but precarious Super Bowl window, it is now evident that the Chiefs require another quarterback hunter. A violent off-the-edge person. Someone you can count on during the postseason. Someone who, in times of necessity, can make Patrick Mahomes’ excellence matter.

A recognisable voice from Mahomes’ inner circle broke the silence just as it appeared that the front office might have to go deeply into cap gymnastics, with a message that is causing a stir throughout the NFL.

“Trey, come to KC.” Bobby Stroupe, Patrick Mahomes’ long-time trainer and right-hand man, put the message on X. The timing, the tone, and the target all shout genuine interest, even though it can sound like light-hearted off-season banter. But why Trey Hendrickson? Because a team that didn’t even fear their pass rush just tore the Chiefs apart. For when the lights were brightest, Omenihu disappeared. Tore his ACL in the AFC Championship and didn’t suit up. It wasn’t a fanboy moment when Stroupe posted. Since high school, he has worked with Mahomes. He is more aware of the demands of the team than the majority of front desk assistants. And, he is aware that the Chiefs aren’t scared to make bold, calculated moves, particularly while the opportunity to discuss roster changes is still available.

That’s where Trey Hendrickson comes in. A three-time Pro Bowler who finished in the top five in the NFL over the last three seasons with 39.5 sacks. He is persistent and productive. According to ESPN, Hendrickson had the second-highest pass-rush victory percentage among edge rushers who had more than 300 pass-rush snaps in the previous season. Additionally, he has participated in two AFC championship games and demonstrated his ability to collapse pockets in January.

So, there are concerns for the Chiefs at both defensive end positions. Though they ranked second in points allowed (17.3 PPG) during the regular season under Steve Spagnuolo. But their defense was mostly dependent on blitz-heavy schemes and excellent secondary play to cover up a fading edge rush. And with Patrick Mahomes still playing at his best and dynasty rumors still circulating, Stroupe’s remark wasn’t spontaneous; rather, it was wise. Now, all eyes are on the Bengals.

Bengals ghost Trey Hendrickson and he’s done playing nice

Trey Hendrickson has stated clearly that either Cincinnati secures his future or he’s going out. Although the Bengals added a one-year contract in 2023 (through 2025) for the 30-year-old pass rusher, who is approaching the end of his playing days. But that agreement was made for flexibility rather than security. Hendrickson told the media, “There are unprovoked shark attacks, and there are provoked shark attacks. The comments that are being made, whatever happened at the combine, at the owner’s meeting, the text I got yesterday. This is not where I’m just twiddling my thumb thinking how I can get the next one up.“ Speaking in the passive-aggressive manner of a man who has had enough of the Bengals’ treatment of his contract.

But his follow-up was the genuine gut punch: “No communication has taken place between my camp and the organization post-draft.” Hendrickson thinks the promises from the last offseason were kept. He anticipated significant negotiations or a lengthier prolongation. He received silence instead, along with the kind of energy that typically denotes a chilly breakup rather than a reconciliation. “Coaches are aware of these past conversations. Rather than using collaboration to get us to a point to bring me home to the team. THEY are no longer communicating,” he added.

The Bengals now face a dilemma. Either start accepting trade offers while Hendrickson’s value is still high, or give him a two- or three-year extension to satisfy his expectations. Because the Chiefs just joined the conversation after Bobby Stroupe started lobbing pitches from the Mahomes camp. And with their championship core still standing and their defensive line under pressure, Kansas City might be the team with the motive of making the move.