The Buffalo Bills are heading into a new era on defense after the departure of former head coach Sean McDermott.
Whilst the Bills had a top-10 defense last season, the team will be looking to solidify and improve on both sides of the ball as they look to make a concrete run at the Super Bowl once more.
Sadly for the team, two of their top three edge rushers – former All-Pro Joey Bosa and ex-second round pick A.J. Epenesa – are currently set to be free agents come Wednesday’s start of the new league year.
Both did some good things in 2025 but their overall production was limited. Together, they only managed to produce a combined 7.5 sacks.
As a result, it will not come as a surprise that Buffalo is actively looking to strengthen the unit as they prepare to go all-out to reach the elusive Super Bowl for the first time in quarterback Josh Allen’s otherwise highly fruitful career to date.
And a main target, according to Ryan Talbot of Buffalo Bills News, is none other than former All-Pro edge rusher for the Cincinnati Bengals, Trey Hendrickson – who the team have reportedly “reached out” to.
Bills Looking to Add Top-Tier Edge Rushing Talent
“Per source, the #Bills have reached out on pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson.” Talbot reported on Tuesday.
The Bills are far from securing the former third round pick’s services, with Talbot noting that “plenty of other teams in the mix as well.”
Hendrickson has been one of the most destructive edge rushers in the NFL over the past half decade and more, generating 17.5 sacks in both 2023 and 2024 before injuries limited him to just 4 sacks in 7 games in 2025.
Despite being age 31, it seems as if the former first team All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler can still play, and after a disastrous couple of years in contract negotiations with the Bengals he is set to find a new home in 2026.
What Does the Bills’ Pass Rush Look Like For 2026?
The Bills moved from a 4-3 setup with two interior defensive linemen, two pure edge defenders and three off-the-ball linebackers (in base defense), to a 3-4 scheme with three interior defensive linemen, two outside linebackers and two off-the-ball linebackers.
Greg Rousseau, who has been the team’s most relied-upon edge rusher for the majority of the past half decade, will have to play as an OLB for the first time in his career, whilst the only other currently signed edge rusher on the roster with a reasonable dose of NFL playing experience is Michael Hoecht, who is used to playing as an outside linebacker from his time with the LA Rams.
It is probably fair to say that the Bills will look to add at least one more edge rusher in free agency who can contribute to the rotation, especially if both Bosa and Epenesa sign elsewhere. Whether they will win the Hendrickson sweepstakes, we shall find out on Wednesday.
Bills Have Reached Out to Top Remaining NFL Free Agent