Trey Hendrickson’s contract talks with the Bengals remain deadlocked. Cincinnati is listening to trade offers—what’s at stake, possible landing spots, and what ProFootballTalk insights reveal.
Background: A Saga of Stalled Talks and Trade Buzz
Trey Hendrickson, the Cincinnati Bengals’ star edge rusher, has sparked trade speculation across the NFL, as his contract negotiations hit a deadlock. Despite expressing a clear desire to remain in Cincinnati, his current $16–21 million-per-year deal is well below the top-tier defensive end market.
ProFootballTalk (PFT) reports that the Bengals are now entertaining trade offers, positioning Hendrickson squarely at the center of a high-stakes offseason.
What’s Fueling the Trade Talks?
1. Contract Breakdown & Hold-In
- Hendrickson has long sought more security. Bengals have resisted providing fully guaranteed money beyond year one.
- He even received permission in March to explore a trade, avoided camp cuts, opting instead for a “hold-in”—signaling his intent to rejoin without draft leverage.
2. Market Value Beyond The Numbers
- His recent stretch: back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons and All-Pro honor underscores his elite status.
- Bengals’ asking price reportedly includes a first-round pick and a player, making deals expensive.
- Even earlier offers—like a second-rounder—were rejected.
3. League Reactions & Betting Odds
- Mike Florio’s PFT notes that markets still favor Cincinnati keeping Hendrickson—-450 odds via DraftKings. Panthers, Lions, Colts, Packers are listed longshots.
Potential Trade Destinations & Strategic Fits
Several teams are reportedly eyeing Hendrickson as a game-changing piece:
- Carolina Panthers are a front-runner, seeking edge help. Proposed trade packages include a mix of picks + players like D.J. Wonnum, Patrick Jones II, or A’Shawn Robinson.
- Other contenders like Browns, Colts, Seahawks, Packers, and Eagles have also expressed interest—depending on compensation and contract structuring.
Trading DE Trey Hendrickson
New Team Acquires
2025: $16M (non-gtd)#Bengals Dead Cap
$2,666,668 ($16M saved)Hendrickson (36 sacks, 5 forced fumbles the past 2 seasons), projects toward a 2 year, $60M extension in our system. pic.twitter.com/UudS1XhxnP
— Spotrac (@spotrac) March 6, 2025
What’s Next? Timeline & Complications
With Week 1 just weeks away, timing matters:
- Hendrickson has resumed team activities—reportedly coaching peers in camp—yet no deal or extension has emerged.
- Bengals owner Mike Brown reaffirmed intentions to keep him, but actions show flexibility.
- If no resolution happens soon, this could influence Week 1 availability—either in Cincinnati or elsewhere.
Why It Matters
Trey Hendrickson is one of the league’s most fearsome pass rushers—losing him could severely rattle an already thin Bengals defense. On the flip side, landing him could instantly elevate contenders’ sacks and pressure rate.
It’s a fork-in-the-road moment for Cincinnati: placate a top-tier defender with long-term security, or monetize him to retool before a new quarterbacking era begins.
Quick Stats at a Glance
| Stat/Context | Details |
|---|---|
| Sacks (2023–24) | Lead NFL both years with 17.5 |
| Pro Bowl/All-Pro | 4× Pro Bowl (2021–24), 2024 First-Team All-Pro |
| Current Salary | $15.8–$16M per year |
| Desired Extension | Estimated $35M+ with full guarantees |
| Trade Compensation Ask | First-round pick + player |