Trey Hendrickson contract dispute with the Cincinnati Bengals is one of the hottest topics around the NFL.
Hendrickson has been the centerpiece of the Bengals' pass rush for almost a decade, but trade speculation has begun swirling, and if the team moves him, the ripple effect could add to a huge asset to the teams that swing for his services whether it be a team in AFC or NFC alike.
Hendrickson, who has recorded 43 sacks over the past three seasons, requested a trade earlier last season. While the Bengals have pushed back, the combination of a crowded cap sheet with Joe Burrow's mega-deal and recent extensions for Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins leaves Cincinnati facing a tough choice financially.
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Moving Hendrickson would create immediate financial flexibility while potentially bringing in premium draft picks or a player in return.
Potential landing spots are already being speculated. Teams in both conferences are eyeing his pass-rushing talent, with potentially exploring a trade with reigning superbowl champs the Philadelphia Eagles. This would bolster an already great team with elite talent on the edge.
The Eagles could use some added talent in their pass rush as they lost Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham this offseason and could use Hendrickson to push their defensive line back into elite territory.
For Cincinnati, trading him would be a gamble, betting that young players like Myles Murphy and Sam Hubbard can step up to fill the void.
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The decision ultimately comes down to timing and strategy. Move Hendrickson now, and the Bengals gain cap relief and draft capital while shaping their roster for the next wave of contention. Keep him, and Cincinnati doubles down on the present, betting the core can push for another Super Bowl run with Burrow at the helm.
Whether the Bengals will roll the dice is still up in the air, but with Hendrickson's trade request still unresolved and financial pressure mounting, this prediction could turn into a complete trade sooner than one might think.
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