The Cincinnati Bengals are reconsidering their position on defensive end Trey Hendrickson with the NFL season just weeks away. Once firm on retaining him and finalizing a contract, the team is now open to hearing trade offers involving Hendrickson due to stalled negotiations, marking a significant change in their approach.
Contract Deadlock Sparks Trade Interest
According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, contract discussions between the Bengals and Hendrickson have reached an impasse, prompting the team to entertain trade proposals for the four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher. While no transaction appears imminent, the Bengals have made it clear the reigning sack leader could be moved if the right offer arrives.
With contract talks at an impasse, the Bengals are listening to trade offers for four-time Pro Bowl DE Trey Hendrickson, sources tell me and Ian Rapoport,
Pelissero wrote.
No deal is imminent. But the NFL’s reigning sack leader is available for the right price.
—Tom Pelissero, NFL Insider
Context of Bengals’ Offseason Contract Challenges
This development follows a busy offseason for Cincinnati, which saw significant contract extensions for wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The organization also faced a high-profile holdout with first-round defensive end Shemar Stewart concerning injury protections. Hendrickson’s unresolved contract is the last major hurdle before the team fully prepares for the season.
Although Hendrickson ended his training camp holdout at the end of July to avoid additional fines, he has yet to participate in practices, signaling ongoing dissatisfaction with his contract offer.
Impact of Potential Hendrickson Departure on Bengals Defense
The Bengals struggled defensively last season, which contributed greatly to their failure to reach the playoffs despite a dynamic offense. Losing Hendrickson, who led the NFL with 15 sacks last year and has posted double-digit sacks in each of his four seasons in Cincinnati, could exacerbate those problems, especially if rookie Stewart does not quickly emerge as a defensive force.
Reportedly, Cincinnati’s contract proposal included minimal guaranteed money, a point viewed as insufficient when compared with deals given to AFC North counterparts Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt. The Bengals’ reluctance to commit financially to Hendrickson has been a key sticking point.
Teams Showing Interest and Trade Speculation
Jordan Schultz has reported that the Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, and Indianapolis Colts have expressed the most interest in acquiring Hendrickson. However, a trade within the AFC North, particularly with division rival Cleveland, is seen as unlikely due to the rarity and complexity of such moves. Additionally, the Browns are not expected to make a major investment in edge rushers given their current rebuilding status.
The #Panthers, #Browns and #Colts are among the teams that have shown interest in trading for #Bengals All-Pro Trey Hendrickson, per multiple sources.
An in-division and in-state trade is highly unlikely and any deal will be tough regardless. Cincinnati is believed to want an…
—Jordan Schultz, NFL Reporter
Potential Consequences for the Bengals and Next Steps
If the Bengals are indeed shifting toward openness on trading Hendrickson, this adjustment could accelerate transactions as interested teams have had months to consider their options. The decision carries significant weight given Hendrickson’s productivity and importance to the defense. How the Bengals address this impasse will strongly influence their readiness and defensive outlook going into the 2025 season.