Saints Strike a $60+ Million Deal With Former 3x Pro Bowl DE – The “Sack King” Officially Returns to New Orleans Just Before the Trade Deadline, in What’s Being Called the Fastest and Most Expensive Move of the 2025 NFL Season

BREAKING: Saints Strike a $60+ Million Deal With Former 3x Pro Bowl DE – The “Sack King” Officially Returns to New Orleans Just Before the Trade Deadline, in What’s Being Called the Fastest and Most Expensive Move of the 2025 NFL Season

New Orleans, Louisiana – November 4, 2025

Just hours before the 2025 NFL trade deadline, the New Orleans Saints sent shockwaves through the league by finalizing a blockbuster deal worth over $60 million with defensive end Trey Hendrickson — a three-time Pro Bowler and the current NFL sacks leader (8.5 through nine weeks).

The move, completed in under six hours, is already being labeled one of the quickest and boldest transactions in recent NFL history. It also marks an emotional homecoming for Hendrickson, who was originally drafted by the Saints in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft before becoming a dominant force with the Cincinnati Bengals.

“This isn’t just a tactical move — it’s a statement,” said head coach Kellen Moore. “Trey understands the culture of this team. He’s sweated in this locker room, he’s felt the roar of the Superdome. Now he’s coming back with experience, leadership, and the relentless energy our defense has been missing.”

Over the past five seasons, Hendrickson has recorded 52.5 career sacks, establishing himself as one of the most consistent and disruptive pass rushers in the league. This year, he leads all edge defenders in quarterback pressures and tackles for loss, proving his value as a game-changing defensive presence. According to ESPN, the Saints finalized the deal just hours after Cincinnati gave the green light, making it one of the fastest high-value trades of the year.

“I never forgot what it felt like to run out of that tunnel in black and gold,” Hendrickson said after the signing. “New Orleans is where it all began for me. Coming back here isn’t just business — it’s personal. I’ve got unfinished work to do.”

For the Saints, the addition of Hendrickson could be the spark that reignites their struggling defense, especially as they push through a critical stretch of the season. His return not only strengthens their front line but also restores the grit and identity that once defined New Orleans football.

If Hendrickson continues his “Sack King” dominance from Cincinnati, this $60+ million signing could go down as the defining midseason move that resurrects the Saints’ playoff hopes — and reaffirms New Orleans’ commitment to winning big in 2025.