We're 91 days away from the New Orleans Saints' first game of the season. This is a somber edition of our "Countdown to Kickoff" as we look back on the one who got away, Trey Hendrickson.
The defensive end was an under the radar part of the Saints' legendary 2017 draft class. He was picked in the third round, but was the Saints third pick in the third round behind Alvin Kamara and Alex Anzalone. Kamara and Anzalone started as rookies, while Hendrickson had a slow rise.
When Hendrickson did get his shot, however, he was the Saints best pass rusher. In 2020, Hendrickson was the primary option opposite Cameron Jordan and finished with 13.5 sacks. It was a contract year for Hendrickson, and he made himself some money. The Cincinnati Bengals signed the defensive end that clearly paid off for them.
Saints picked Marcus Davenport over Trey Hendrickson
The 57 sacks Hendrickson has accumulated as a member of the Bengals is enough to regret the decision to let him walk, but the aftermath in New Orleans is the real regret. The Saints chose Marcus Davenport and Marcus Williams over Hendrickson.
Williams played a crucial role in the defense for multiple seasons while Hendrickson was coming off a hot season. Sure, he had been steadily progressing but prioritizing Williams over Hendrickson was understandable. However, the Saints put the franchise tag on Williams before he also darted to the AFC North the following season.
The most obvious comparison is Hendrickson and Davenport. They played the same position, and if the Saints didn't have faith in Davenport they probably would have found a way to keep Hendrickson in town.
Davenport got close to his potential for one season. His nine sacks in 2021 felt like a trampoline moment, but it ended up being a career season. If the Saints had a do over, they would unquestionably choose to keep Hendrickson under contract. That's partially hindsight, but he also showed potential to be this player in his final season in New Orleans.
The Saints are still looking for their answer at pass rush
Four years later, New Orleans is still looking to bolster its pass rush. Maybe the pairing of Carl Granderson and Chase Young under Brandon Staley will finally give the Saints a strong pass rush. Young is just the latest swing at a dynamic pass rusher over the last few years.
Davenport had his special year, then Kaden Elliss was a pass rush threat from the linebacker position. You had the ascension of Granderson and the signing of Chase Young. There have been multiple attempts and routes to generating a pass rush, but they pale in comparison to what Hendrickson has done.
In the four years since Hendrickson has left the Saints, he has had three double digit sack seasons. The Saints have had one player reach double digits. Hendrickson would have led the Saints in sacks in three of the four seasons.
Last year, Hendrickson was the Defensive Player of the Year runner-up, made first team All-Pro and had 17.5 sacks for the second year in a row. You'd have to combine the Saints' three leaders in sacks to reach what Hendrickson did by himself last year. His sack total as an individual was 45% of the Saints' 2024 team total. You get the point. It's safe to say the Saints miss Hendrickson.