The edge rush position will be one to watch closely as the 2025 offseason unfolds. Myles Garrett is seeking a move out of Cleveland, while the Cowboys have given thought to the idea of a potential Micah Parsons trade. 
Those defensive ends have company in terms of needing lucrative new deals in the near future and therefore find themselves as targets for teams looking for upgrades in the pass-rush department. Maxx Crosby (Raiders) as well as Trey Hendrickson (Bengals) are names to monitor on the trade market. That will especially be the case if Garrett – whom the Browns have no intention of moving – and Parsons remain with their respective teams.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler writes Crosby and Hendrickson would be expected to draw notable trade interest if one or both were to become available. The former has two more years on his deal with $21.92MM owed in 2025 and ’26. None of Crosby’s base salaries in that span are guaranteed, though, so he could look to again land a new pact featuring significant up front compensation.
With Vegas struggling this past season, Crosby was named as a potential trade candidate. Owner Mark Davis unequivocally shot down speculation on that front in October, but the team is coming off a 4-13 campaign and does not have a long-term solution at the quarterback spot. Crosby, 27, has seen his team make the playoffs just once in his six NFL seasons despite racking up 59.5 sacks during that time. The four-time Pro Bowler was limited to 12 games by an ankle injury, but his durability during the rest of his career – coupled with his high-end production – would make him an attractive target to any number of suitors.
Hendrickson requested a trade last offseason after his efforts to secure a raise were unsuccessful. The Bengals made it clear they would not look to move him, and the 30-year-old ultimately reported to the team during training camp without issue. Hendrickson delivered another strong season in 2024, leading the NFL with 17.5 sacks. A notable raise is in store as a result, something de facto general manager Duke Tobin is well aware of and quarterback Joe Burrow would be on board with.
Knowing the financial situation Cincinnati is in (wideouts Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are in need of lucrative new pacts), Hendrickson is open to securing his next contract via trade. The All-Pro could approach or surpass the $30MM-per-year mark, per Fowler, something which would no doubt be more likely on a short-term pact than a lengthy accord. Still, the All-Pro’s production (57 sacks in 65 Bengals games) would be a welcomed addition for teams with the draft capital and cap space needed to pull off a trade and extension. Echoing Fowler’s report, Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network note a strong market will exist for Hendrickson if he becomes available.
Nick Bosa‘s $34MM AAV with the 49ers currently leads the way for edge rushers (and all defenders) at the top of the market. Several players could surpass that mark in the coming weeks and months, especially if the Raiders and Bengals are unwilling to meet the asking price Crosby and/or Hendrickson submit this offseason. Against the backdrop of other potential movement amongst high-prolife edge rushers, their respective situations will make for intriguing offseason storylines.