Hendrickson, who stands 6’4″ and weighs 265 pounds, was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft before joining Cincinnati. Since then, he has established himself as one of the league’s premier edge rushers, earning four consecutive Pro Bowl selections and recording 17.5 sacks in each of the last two seasons. Over his Bengals tenure, Hendrickson has posted 57 sacks and 112 quarterback hits in 65 games.
Despite the Bengals securing long-term deals with top receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, negotiations with Hendrickson have reached an impasse. NFL insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Jordan Schultz report that at least three teams—the Indianapolis Colts, Carolina Panthers, and Cleveland Browns—have shown interest in acquiring Hendrickson. However, a trade within the AFC North, particularly to the Browns, is seen as unlikely given the divisional rivalry. Cincinnati is reportedly seeking at least one impact player and a high draft pick in return for the 30-year-old.
Several teams are considered logical landing spots should the Bengals move forward with a trade. The Detroit Lions, with significant cap space and a need for pass rush support, are viewed as a strong fit. The Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks, and Carolina Panthers are also mentioned as possible destinations, each with varying levels of need and financial flexibility. Despite the speculation, a trade remains “highly unlikely” unless the Bengals receive an offer that meets their demands.
Hendrickson’s contract situation and potential trade continue to be one of the major storylines of the 2025 NFL offseason. As the regular season approaches, his future in Cincinnati remains uncertain, with the possibility of a blockbuster move still on the table.