The Cincinnati Bengals are reportedly open to trading veteran defensive end Trey Hendrickson as they continue contract discussions ahead of the 2025 season. The latest chatter centers on Hendrickson, a proven pass rusher who led the NFL in sacks according to one report, and the challenge a midseason move would pose given the current trade market and cap considerations.
A key update from the situation is that no new contract extension with Hendrickson is considered imminent. He ended a week-long holdout to rejoin camp and has been present in street clothes, watching practices as talks over a potential extension proceed. Despite the pause in negotiations, his role at camp has been active off the field, where he has taken on a mentoring role for the Bengals’ young edge-rushing group, including first-round rookie Shemar Stewart.
The team had previously granted Hendrickson permission to explore a trade before this year’s NFL draft, but the combined factors of trade price and the guaranteed money structure of any extension have prevented a deal from moving forward. With both sides seemingly aiming for leverage, the dynamic appears to be more of a public bargaining game than an immediate pathway to a trade, and momentum could carry into the regular-season kickoff.
What to watch going forward:
– Whether discussions on a new deal progress or stall further, particularly around guaranteed money and first-year terms.
– Any uptick in trade activity or renewed interest in Hendrickson as the season approaches.
– How the Bengals’ veteran leadership and mentoring impact the development of Stewart and other young defenders, regardless of Hendrickson’s long-term status.
Why this matters:
– Hendrickson is a cornerstone of Cincinnati’s defense, and any move would ripple through cap planning, depth, and locker-room leadership.
– If he remains with the Bengals, his presence could help accelerate the growth of the defensive unit and maintain top-tier production while negotiations continue.
A possible positive angle:
– The ongoing talks could lead to a clearer contract framework that benefits both sides, while Hendrickson’s mentorship could accelerate the rise of Cincinnati’s young defensive talents, potentially strengthening the unit for a challenging season either with him on the field or as part of a thoughtfully managed rebuild.
Short takeaway:
– The Bengals are weighing trade options for Hendrickson amid a contract stalemate, with a decision that could hinge on guaranteed money terms and the evolving needs of the roster as the season nears. The situation remains fluid, and Hendrickson’s leadership and presence at camp add value regardless of how the next weeks unfold.