Hendrickson, standing at 6’4″ and weighing 265 pounds, was originally drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. After joining the Bengals, he quickly developed into one of the NFL’s premier edge rushers, earning All-Pro honors and anchoring Cincinnati’s defensive line. His 2024 campaign further solidified his reputation, as he played all 17 games and led the team with 17.5 sacks, pushing his career total to 77.0 sacks in 110 games. Despite this production, Hendrickson has yet to win a Super Bowl, a milestone that could impact both his legacy and bargaining position in contract talks (Pro Football Reference: Trey Hendrickson Stats).
This offseason, Hendrickson requested a trade after contract negotiations with the Bengals reached an impasse. He skipped minicamp and missed part of training camp, only reporting to the team after negotiations stalled. According to NFL Media and Bengals On SI, Cincinnati turned down a significant trade offer that included a second-round pick, holding out for a first-rounder instead. Hendrickson is set to make $15.8 million in base salary this season, but the sticking point appears to be guarantees—while the Bengals have offered a contract in the $35 million per year range, it reportedly lacks the upfront guarantees Hendrickson is seeking.
With the regular season opener against the Cleveland Browns less than three weeks away, the Bengals remain open to trading their star pass rusher. Several teams have inquired about Hendrickson, and his potential departure could have a ripple effect on the team’s defensive strategy. Among the logical landing spots are the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks, and Carolina Panthers. Each of these teams is in the market for a proven pass rusher, and Hendrickson’s track record of production makes him a highly sought-after commodity, even at age 30.
As the contract standoff continues, Hendrickson remains focused on his preparation, emphasizing the camaraderie within the Bengals’ locker room and his excitement for the upcoming season. However, with the clock ticking and both sides holding firm, the coming weeks could bring a pivotal resolution—either a lucrative new deal, a blockbuster trade, or a high-stakes gamble as the Bengals pursue another playoff run with one of the NFL’s top defensive talents.