Packers surprisingly explored another trade option before stunning NFL with Micah Parsons blockbuster acquisition
Brian Gutekunst wanted to acquire a top edge rusher.
General manager Brian Gutekunst wasn’t kidding when he said early in the offseason that it was time to “ramp up the sense of urgency” around the Green Bay Packers. The big move would only come last week, when the Packers traded for edge defender Micah Parsons, but Gutekunst was willing to be aggressive much before that.
While the Packers couldn’t get anything done, the front office considered a trade to acquire Cincinnati Bengals’ edge defender Trey Hendrickson, according to NFL Network’s insider Ian Rapoport.
“The Packers are among the teams that called and engaged the most with Cincinnati on a potential trade for Hendrickson this offseason, with an initial offer made for last season’s sack leader. In fact, standout defensive tackle Kenny Clark would also have been involved in the trade had the two sides come to an agreement, though Green Bay was not willing to part with him at that point in the process. Based on Clark’s value to Green Bay — and based on Cincy driving a hard bargain due to how they never really wanted to trade Hendrickson — the deal never happened.” — Ian Rapoport.
Why the Packers didn’t pull the trigger
Even though Gutekunst was and is willing to be more aggressive—and he’s certainly been much more active than Ted Thompson was—, the Packers still value age and what the player can offer for years to come.
Hendrickson has been an excellent pass rusher, with impressive numbers, but he will be 31 by December and wanted a significant contract. Giving up a mid-round pick and Clark for that wouldn’t be the ideal outcome.
Ultimately, Hendrickson signed a revised contract with the Bengals, elevating his 2025 salary by $14 million to a maximum value of $30 million. He is slated to hit free agency next offseason, albeit the Bengals have the option to apply the franchise tag.
Perfect outcome
When the deal for Trey Hendrickson didn’t materialize, Brian Gutekunst was fast to enter Micah Parsons’ sweepstakes. Seven years ago, the Packers had tried to trade for Khalil Mack, but the star rusher went to the Chicago Bears instead. So now, Gutekunst was aggressive to pull the trigger.
“I think what I learned from [Mack’s sweepstakes] experience is you’ve got to be in it early,” Gutekunst explained.
Because Micah Parsons is only 26 and more productive than Hendrickson, the Packers were willing to pay a higher price. Green Bay gave up two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark to the Cowboys. Additionally, the Packers gave Parsons a four-year, $186 million extension—with $2 million more available via incentives.