Chiefs should target 81 sack monster for 2026 reset

Adam Schultz

Chiefs should target 81 sack monster for 2026 reset image

Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Kansas City Chiefs will enter the NFL offseason knowing that a soft reset is on the way after failing to make the playoffs.

The futures of several players are up in the air, most notably Travis Kelce, who is weighing up his options.

But the Chiefs, if they are looking at refreshing the roster, could look at several free agents to help.

One in particular sticks out, and while it would be tricky to get, if they could, it could transform their defense.

Trey Hendrickson.

Yes, he's 31 years old and coming off major surgery that limited him to just seven games in 2025, but the Cincinnati Bengals appear to be fine to part ways.

Enter the Chiefs.

More: Is $10 million RB key to solving Chiefs problems?

Could Chiefs really target Hendrickson?

Absolutely, they could. But there are a few things to work through.

First is the Chiefs/Bengals rivalry. Would Trey want to move to Kansas City? 

The Bengals haven't had much success. The Chiefs? You can nearly bet in 2026 they'll be back.

Plus, playing alongside Chris Jones would give Kansas City a formidable duo.

But money is key here. 

Hendrickson would command at least $25 million APY, if not more. Would Kansas City be willing to part ways with that sort of money for a 31-year-old pass rusher?

For me, it has to at least be talked about inside the building.

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Contributing Writer