Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson Granted Permission to Seek Trade \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who led the NFL in sacks last season, has received permission from the Cincinnati Bengals to explore trade options. Hendrickson, who previously requested a trade in 2023, now enters the market amid major contract decisions for the Bengals. With Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins seeking extensions, Cincinnati faces significant roster and cap challenges.
Quick Looks
- Trade Permission Granted – Bengals allow Hendrickson to explore a move.
- NFL Sack Leader – Hendrickson had 17.5 sacks last season, leading the league.
- Bengals’ Cap Dilemma – Big extensions for Chase and Higgins complicate finances.
- Contract Market Shift – Maxx Crosby’s record deal influences Hendrickson’s value.
- Bengals Defensive Rebuild – Sam Hubbard’s retirement leaves a hole on the D-line.
Deep Look
Hendrickson’s Trade Request: A Major Shift for the Bengals
In a surprising move, the Cincinnati Bengals have granted star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson permission to seek a trade, signaling a potential shake-up in their roster as they navigate challenging financial decisions. The news, first reported by ESPN and later confirmed by multiple sources, comes after Hendrickson led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in the 2023 season, marking his second consecutive year hitting that total.
For a player who has been a crucial part of the Bengals’ defense since joining in 2021, the decision to allow him to explore trade options raises significant questions about the team’s long-term plans. Hendrickson himself acknowledged the change in direction, releasing a statement through ESPN.
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to represent Cincinnati over the last four years,” Hendrickson said. “I love this city and organization. I appreciate the privilege of now being allowed to explore my options.”
Hendrickson’s production speaks for itself. Since arriving in Cincinnati from the New Orleans Saints, he has recorded 57 sacks—ranking third in the NFL over that span. His ability to pressure quarterbacks has been a cornerstone of the Bengals’ defense, and losing him would leave a significant void in their pass rush.
Yet, the Bengals’ decision is not entirely unexpected. Hendrickson previously requested a trade before the 2023 NFL Draft, but the team declined to grant it at the time. Now, with key contract negotiations looming for wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Cincinnati faces a difficult salary cap dilemma that may have influenced their decision to part ways with Hendrickson.
Bengals’ Salary Cap Struggles: Prioritizing Chase and Higgins
At the heart of the Bengals’ roster decisions is the challenge of managing their salary cap while keeping their core players. Wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are both due for lucrative contract extensions, with Chase expected to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.
Higgins, who has been a critical piece of the Bengals’ offense, was franchise-tagged for the second time earlier this week. The tag gives Cincinnati temporary control over his contract, but a long-term deal remains uncertain. Chase, meanwhile, led the NFL in receptions (127), receiving yards (1,708), and touchdowns (17) in 2024, making him a prime candidate for a historic contract extension.
The financial landscape for elite defensive players also changed dramatically this week when the Las Vegas Raiders awarded star pass rusher Maxx Crosby a three-year, $106.5 million extension, with $91.5 million guaranteed. The deal reset the market for top-tier edge rushers, pushing the annual salary for premier pass rushers to $35.5 million.
Given Hendrickson’s elite production, he would likely command a contract in a similar range if he were to hit the open market. With the Bengals already facing a major financial commitment to Chase and Higgins, retaining Hendrickson at that price may not be feasible.
Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin acknowledged the difficulty of keeping all their star players under contract while speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine last week.
“We have a lot of really good football players, fantastic football players. And we’re fortunate to be in a position where we can fit them all in,” Tobin said. “We want to re-sign these guys, reward them for their ability level, and add to the football team. It’s a tall task, but we think we’re up to it.”
However, allowing Hendrickson to seek a trade suggests that Cincinnati may be prioritizing long-term financial flexibility over short-term defensive continuity.
Bengals’ Defense Faces Uncertainty After Hubbard’s Retirement
The Bengals’ decision to let Hendrickson explore trade options comes at a time when their defensive line is already in transition. Longtime defensive end Sam Hubbard announced his retirement on Wednesday, ending a seven-year career spent entirely with Cincinnati.
Hubbard, known for his leadership and versatility, played a crucial role in stabilizing the Bengals’ defensive front. With him stepping away from the game and Hendrickson potentially on the move, Cincinnati suddenly faces a massive hole in its pass-rushing unit.
Even before Hendrickson’s trade request, the Bengals were expected to be active in the offseason market for defensive linemen. Now, they may be forced to aggressively pursue replacements through free agency or the draft to avoid a significant drop in defensive production.
Potential Trade Destinations for Hendrickson
While no teams have been publicly linked to Hendrickson yet, several franchises could be interested in acquiring an elite pass rusher to bolster their defense. Some potential landing spots include:
- Chicago Bears – The Bears have a strong defensive foundation but need a dominant edge rusher to take their front seven to the next level.
- Seattle Seahawks – With a need for more pass-rush pressure, Seattle could view Hendrickson as a missing piece in their defensive rebuild.
- Detroit Lions – Detroit’s defense showed improvement last season, but adding a proven pass rusher would elevate them into legitimate Super Bowl contention.
- Baltimore Ravens – A trade within the AFC North is unlikely, but Baltimore has a history of making aggressive defensive moves.
- Jacksonville Jaguars – Jacksonville has been looking for more pass-rush firepower and could be a strong trade partner.
Hendrickson’s contract situation could also influence trade discussions. He is currently under contract with the Bengals, but any acquiring team would likely want to negotiate a long-term extension as part of the deal.
Bengals’ Next Steps: A Crucial Offseason Ahead
With free agency and the NFL Draft approaching, the Bengals now face significant decisions about their defensive strategy moving forward. If Hendrickson is traded, Cincinnati will need to find a way to replace his production, whether through signing a veteran free agent or using a high draft pick on an edge rusher.
Despite these challenges, Cincinnati remains a top-tier team in the AFC. Quarterback Joe Burrow continues to lead a high-powered offense, and if the Bengals can effectively manage their salary cap while reinforcing their defense, they will remain contenders.
However, allowing Hendrickson to leave could signal the start of a shift in Cincinnati’s defensive identity. The team has long relied on a strong pass rush to complement its offensive firepower, and finding the right balance between retaining offensive talent and maintaining defensive strength will be critical in shaping their Super Bowl aspirations.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on Hendrickson and the Bengals’ front office to see where one of the league’s most dominant pass rushers ends up.
Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson
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