The Cleveland Browns are actively exploring a trade to acquire Trey Hendrickson from the Cincinnati Bengals as tensions rise around Hendrickson’s contract situation. Hendrickson, who led the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL with 17.5 sacks last season for the second year in a row, is entering the final year of his deal and is unsettled about his compensation. The Browns see this as an opportunity to strengthen their defense, especially alongside star pass-rusher Myles Garrett.

Hendrickson’s holdout during training camp stems from his desire to be paid among the league’s elite pass-rushers, like Garrett and TJ Watt, who both signed lucrative extensions this offseason. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Browns are one of three teams interested in a trade for Hendrickson, alongside the Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts. However, Cincinnati appears reluctant to trade Hendrickson within its division, making an in-division move less likely.

The Panthers, Browns and Colts are among the teams that have shown interest in trading for Bengals All-Pro Trey Hendrickson, per multiple sources,

Schultz wrote on X.

An in-division and in-state trade is highly unlikely and any deal will be tough regardless. Cincinnati is believed to want an impact player (or two) plus a draft pick in return,

Schultz added.

Potentially Lethal Pass-Rushing Pair of Hendrickson and Garrett for the Browns

If the Browns complete the trade for Hendrickson, it would create a formidable pass-rushing tandem alongside Myles Garrett, who has been one of the league’s most dominant defensive players. Garrett has consistently recorded 14 or more sacks in each of the past four seasons, securing his status as a perennial Defensive Player of the Year contender.

This offseason, Garrett had a contract dispute of his own, demanding a trade before ultimately signing a four-year extension worth $160 million, which made him briefly the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Garrett remains confident in his upcoming performances and team prospects.

I look forward to having my best season for sure, and I think it’s trending that way,

Garrett remarked this offseason.

Been really good, and I think everything’s pointed in that direction.

During recent joint practices against the Philadelphia Eagles, Garrett demonstrated his extraordinary skills against one of the NFL’s best offensive lines, leaving an impression on Eagles All-Pro tackle Jordan Mailata.

I’ll get a giggle, Mailata said. I’ll get a giggle out it. I’ll be honest. I’m just standing, like, ‘What the f***?’ Sorry, I did my job, and yet I still got beat.’

There’s no one like Myles. You can’t apply what Myles does to anyone else. He’s just a freak.

Strong Defensive Performance Signals Positive Outlook for Browns

The Browns’ defense has impressed during training camp and in their two preseason games. They held the Eagles to a mere 88 total yards in a 22-13 victory, forcing two turnovers and returning one for a touchdown, even with key defenders such as Garrett sitting out. The defensive line is shaping up with players like Isaiah McGuire and Alex Wright competing to start opposite Garrett, supported by rotation members Julian Okwara, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, and Cameron Thomas.

We have great competition at defensive end in particular. We have got a lot of guys that have started a lot of games in the NFL,

Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz stated.

All those guys are going to play in the NFL and it’s going to make us better.

The Browns will open their regular season on September 7, facing the Bengals in what could be a high-stakes matchup given Hendrickson’s uncertain future with Cincinnati.

Trade Dynamics Could Influence Browns’ Defensive Fortunes

The possibility of adding Hendrickson to pair with Garrett represents a rare chance for the Browns to establish one of the NFL’s most feared pass-rushing duos, increasing pressure on opposing quarterbacks across the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/afc/”>AFC. Yet, the trade remains complicated by Cincinnati’s high demands, which reportedly include receiving impact players in return along with a draft pick. The Bengals’ reluctance to trade Hendrickson within the division adds another layer of difficulty.

Negotiations between Hendrickson and the Bengals continue to face hurdles, raising the likelihood of a trade, but the Browns face stiff competition and logistical challenges to land him. Still, if successful, the move could reshape Cleveland’s defensive identity and bolster their championship aspirations for the upcoming season.