Las Vegas Raiders: 5 untagged 2021 free agents to target

Trey Hendrickson finally got a chance to start for the New Orleans Saints in 2020 and he exploded on to the scene with one of the best performances by a defensive end in the league. After starting just three games in three years, Hendrickson started 15 games in 2020 and stepped up with 13.5 sacks, 33 pressures, 25 QB hits, and 12 tackles for loss.

Hendrickson played with a tremendous motor and was a fearsome counterpart to Cam Jordan on a very talented defensive line. The Raiders saw this first hand in Week 2 as Hendrickson recorded a sack and two tackles for loss despite playing just 58% of the defensive snaps in that game.

In fact, Hendrickson featured in just 53% of the team’s defensive snaps but still lead the team in sacks and tackles for loss.

The former third round pick showed what he is capable of in a good situation but the Raiders, and any team interested in signing him, will have to determine if this is the type of player he is now or if this was just a flash in the pan. We have seen other players have one big sack year and never be able to reach those heights again but in Hendrickson’s case, it may just be a case of finally having the opportunity.

Hendrickson was previously behind former first round pick Marcus Davenport, but in 2020, he was on the field nearly 20% more and outplayed his more highly touted teammate. Hendrickson would slot in nicely in the Raiders defensive line as a possible replacement for Arden Key or Carl Nassib and could be used in obvious passing downs as a third pass rusher.

We will see what Hendrickson’s market will be after just one good season but he could be a good fit in Las Vegas.