With Trey Hendrickson likely leaving in free agency, the Bengals could target Chargers pass rusher Odafe Oweh to rebuild a struggling defense.

The Cincinnati Bengals defense may be headed for another major shakeup this offseason — and it could start with the loss of their most productive pass rusher.

League speculation continues to grow that Trey Hendrickson could depart Cincinnati in free agency, leaving the Bengals searching for answers on a unit that has already struggled to stop opposing offenses in recent seasons. Hendrickson, who has been the heartbeat of the Bengals’ pass rush, could command significant interest across the league, and early projections suggest the Los Angeles Chargers may be one of the most aggressive teams pursuing him.

If that scenario unfolds, the Bengals will be forced to replace one of the NFL’s most consistent edge defenders.

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Hendrickson’s production is not easy to replicate. The veteran defensive end delivered back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons in 2023 and 2024, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier pass rushers. His relentless motor and ability to win one-on-one matchups have been critical for Cincinnati’s defensive front.

Losing that kind of output would create a massive hole for a defense that already ranked among the league’s most inconsistent.

However, the Bengals may already have a contingency plan.

Analysts have floated the idea that Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Odafe Oweh could become a priority target if Hendrickson leaves. Oweh, still just 27 years old, has quietly emerged as one of the more intriguing pass rushers available in free agency.

The former Baltimore Ravens first-round pick showed flashes of dominance after landing with the Chargers, finishing the regular season with 7.5 sacks in just 12 games. His postseason performance further boosted his profile when he recorded three sacks and two forced fumbles in a Wild Card victory over New England.

That kind of explosiveness is exactly what Cincinnati needs.

Over five NFL seasons, Oweh has totaled 30.5 career sacks, but many around the league believe his ceiling remains higher. He has played fewer snaps than many top pass rushers, suggesting there could be more production available if he steps into a full-time starting role.

For Cincinnati, pairing Oweh with young defensive talent — including former first-round pick Shemar Stewart — could help reshape the Bengals’ defensive identity.

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The franchise also has the financial flexibility to make a splash. While replacing Hendrickson would be costly, the Bengals have both cap space and draft resources to rebuild a defensive front that desperately needs fresh energy.

The big question now is whether Cincinnati is ready to pivot from a proven veteran to a younger pass rusher with untapped potential.

If Hendrickson walks, the Bengals may have no choice but to bet on the future.