The Cincinnati Bengals face growing speculation about the future of their star defensive end Trey Hendrickson, with reports suggesting the Las Vegas Raiders might emerge as the leading candidate to acquire him if a trade materializes. This potential move, driven by the Raiders’ desire to bolster their pass rush, comes as Hendrickson’s contract talks with the Bengals remain unresolved.

According to an NFL executive speaking to Hondo Carpenter of Raiders On SI, the Raiders are heavily positioned to make a move for Hendrickson. This executive highlighted the aggressive approach of Las Vegas management, noting how figures like Tom Brady and owner Mark Davis are eager to create a winning team immediately. John Spytek, a key personnel executive, is also noted for his willingness to make bold decisions to improve the roster.

Las Vegas’ Cap Space and Defensive Potential Make Hendrickson a Prime Target

The Raiders, having secured Maxx Crosby with a substantial three-year, $106.5 million extension earlier this year, could transform their defense into a formidable unit by adding Hendrickson. Coupling Hendrickson with Crosby would provide Las Vegas arguably the best pass rushing duo currently in the NFL.

Financially, the Raiders have over $34 million in available salary cap space, enabling them to absorb Hendrickson’s contract while potentially offering him a new deal that could rank among the highest paid for pass rushers in the league. This financial flexibility strengthens their position as frontrunners to sign Hendrickson if a trade with the Bengals occurs.

Trade Considerations: What the Bengals Want in Return

If a trade happens, the Bengals reportedly require more than just draft picks; they are interested in acquiring a young player alongside draft capital. The Raiders hold all their selections for the 2026 NFL Draft, which could give them leverage in negotiations.

Speculation surrounds which young Raiders players might entice the Bengals. Names like former first-round pick Tyree Wilson, or offensive linemen Jackson Powers-Johnson, Charles Grant, and Caleb Rogers, have been mentioned as possible trade components. The Bengals appear focused on a return package balancing youth and future draft assets.

Bengals’ Current Stance on Hendrickson’s Future

Contract talks between the Bengals and Hendrickson remain ongoing, with Cincinnati offering a deal estimated at about $35 million per year. However, Hendrickson reportedly wants more guaranteed money than what has been proposed. While rumors of a trade swirl, Bengals owner Mike Brown firmly asserted last month that there are no plans to trade Hendrickson, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to re-signing him.

“We aren’t going to trade Trey,”

Brown said.

“We’re working to get Trey re-signed as we speak. Our guys are in the office working to get that done. And I think it will get done.”

Brown has acknowledged the negotiation challenges, describing Hendrickson as a determined negotiator. He expressed optimism despite the difficulty, saying,

“We like Trey as a person,”

and explained,

“He’s a good guy, but when it comes to these negotiations, and we’ve been through a few of them with him, he pushes hard, he gets emotional. We never have an easy time of it. But there’s one thing that is consistent. It always gets done, and I think this one will but we’ll see. I’ve been proven wrong before, but I have pretty high confidence that we’ll get there at the end.”

Time Running Out Ahead of Bengals’ Season Opener

The Bengals face a deadline as the season opener against the Cleveland Browns approaches on Sunday, September 7. Whether Hendrickson accepts the terms offered or if the Bengals adjust to meet his contract demands remains unclear. The possibility of a trade, while not ruled out, appears less likely given current public comments from Bengals leadership.

Should Hendrickson remain with Cincinnati, the Bengals’ defense will continue to feature one of the league’s premier pass rushers. However, if a deal does come to fruition, the Raiders stand ready to add a key piece to their defense as they aim to strengthen their playoff prospects and contend immediately.