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Trade Trey Hendrickson Bengals Reportedly Entertaining Offers With Regular Season Looming

Bengals Reportedly Open to Trading Star Pass Rusher Trey Hendrickson as Season Nears

In a surprising development that could reshape the Cincinnati Bengals' defensive lineup, reports have emerged indicating that the team is actively entertaining trade offers for edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. This news comes at a critical juncture, with the NFL regular season just weeks away, adding a layer of urgency to the Bengals' roster decisions. Hendrickson, a key component of Cincinnati's pass rush since joining the team in 2021, has been the subject of trade speculation amid ongoing contract disputes and his apparent dissatisfaction with his current deal. The Bengals, who have built a competitive squad around quarterback Joe Burrow, now face the possibility of parting ways with one of their most productive defensive players, a move that could signal broader strategic shifts as they aim to contend for a Super Bowl.

Hendrickson's journey to this point has been marked by consistent excellence on the field. Originally drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Florida Atlantic University, he spent his first four seasons in New Orleans, where he developed into a reliable rotational player. However, it was his breakout performance in 2020 that truly put him on the map, recording 13.5 sacks and earning a reputation as a disruptive force off the edge. That success led to a lucrative free-agent signing with the Bengals in March 2021, where he inked a four-year, $60 million contract. The deal was seen as a cornerstone move for Cincinnati's defense, pairing Hendrickson with other talents like Sam Hubbard and providing the team with a formidable front that could pressure opposing quarterbacks.

Since arriving in Cincinnati, Hendrickson has more than lived up to the hype. In his first season with the Bengals, he notched 14 sacks, helping propel the team to a surprising Super Bowl appearance in 2021. He followed that up with another strong campaign in 2022, tallying 8 sacks despite battling injuries, and then rebounded impressively in 2023 with a career-high 17.5 sacks. His ability to generate pressure has been instrumental in the Bengals' defensive schemes under coordinator Lou Anarumo, often drawing double teams and creating opportunities for his teammates. Beyond sacks, Hendrickson's impact is evident in his forced fumbles, quarterback hits, and overall disruption of offensive lines. He's been a Pro Bowl selection in each of the last three seasons, underscoring his status as one of the league's premier edge rushers.

However, beneath the on-field success, tensions have simmered regarding his contract. Hendrickson, now 29 years old, has expressed a desire for long-term security, particularly after seeing other top pass rushers like T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett secure massive extensions. His current deal runs through the 2025 season, with a base salary of $14.8 million in 2024 and $15.8 million in 2025, but it lacks the guarantees and length that Hendrickson reportedly seeks. Earlier this offseason, he requested a trade, citing frustrations over the Bengals' unwillingness to renegotiate. Although he briefly attended voluntary workouts, Hendrickson has since held out from training camp, amplifying the drama. Sources close to the situation suggest that while the Bengals value his contributions, they are weighing the financial implications of extending him against the potential assets they could acquire in a trade.

The timing of these trade discussions is particularly noteworthy, as the Bengals are gearing up for what they hope will be a bounce-back season. After reaching the AFC Championship in 2022 and dealing with Burrow's injury-plagued 2023 campaign, the team is poised to compete in a stacked AFC North division. Losing Hendrickson could weaken their pass rush, which ranked in the middle of the pack last season despite his individual prowess. The Bengals have invested in young talent like edge rushers Joseph Ossai and Myles Murphy, but neither has yet proven ready to fill Hendrickson's shoes. On the flip side, trading him could net valuable draft capital or players that address other needs, such as the offensive line or secondary, especially with wide receiver Tee Higgins also in a contract standoff and potentially on the trade block himself.

Potential suitors for Hendrickson are plentiful, given his proven track record and the premium placed on elite pass rushers in today's NFL. Teams like the Atlanta Falcons, who have cap space and a need for defensive help, or the Detroit Lions, looking to bolster their front for a Super Bowl push, could emerge as interested parties. The Philadelphia Eagles, with their aggressive front office, might also inquire, especially after losing Haason Reddick in the offseason. Any trade would likely require at least a second-round pick, if not more, considering Hendrickson's age, production, and the two years remaining on his contract. The Bengals, under general manager Duke Tobin, have a history of making calculated moves, as seen in their acquisitions of players like Ja'Marr Chase and their handling of the Burrow extension.

This situation echoes broader trends in the NFL, where star players increasingly leverage holdouts and trade requests to secure better deals. For the Bengals, the decision boils down to balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term financial flexibility. Retaining Hendrickson could solidify their defense and signal commitment to their core, but at what cost? If a trade materializes, it would mark a significant pivot for a franchise that has transformed from perennial underdogs to contenders. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely, as the outcome could define Cincinnati's trajectory in 2024 and beyond.

As the regular season looms, with the Bengals set to open against the New England Patriots on September 8, the pressure is on to resolve this saga. Hendrickson's absence from camp has already raised eyebrows, and prolonged uncertainty could disrupt team chemistry. Whether he suits up in orange and black or finds a new home, his next move will be one of the offseason's most intriguing storylines. The Bengals' front office must navigate this delicately, ensuring that any decision enhances their chances of returning to championship contention. In the high-stakes world of NFL roster building, trading a player of Hendrickson's caliber is never straightforward, but it could be the bold step needed to address deeper roster needs. (Word count: 912)

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[ https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals/news/trade-trey-hendrickson-bengals-reportedly-entertaining-offers-with-regular-season-looming-01k2wghpkazg ]