Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson is seeking either a contract extension with more guaranteed money or a trade. The Bengals appear willing to consider trade offers while continuing extension negotiations with the NFL’s reigning sack champion.
According to Sports Illustrated senior NFL writer Albert Breer, the Bengals have received trade offers and are seeking a defensive player and a draft pick in return. Breer added that the Bengals have offered Hendrickson a contract that has a “massive” annual value, but it does not have the guarantees that Hendrickson is seeking.
Additionally, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero said that although no trade was “imminent,” the Bengals had previously turned down a trade before this year’s draft that would have netted them multiple picks, including a 2025 second-round selection. However, the Bengals were seeking a first-round pick.
Hendrickson, 30, was a first-team All-Pro last season and finished second in The Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year voting after recording 17.5 sacks, 46 tackles and two forced fumbles. He and the Bengals have been entangled in a contentious contract extension battle after the team gave wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins lucrative deals last season.
According to Over the Cap, Hendrickson is set to count $18.6 million against the Bengals’ salary cap this season. He is currently seeking an extension that would put him in the same contract value range that other prominent edge rushers such as Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (four years, $160 million) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (three years, $123 million) recently received. Hendrickson was given permission to seek a trade, but a deal has not been completed.
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Chris Franklin may be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com.
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