The Cincinnati Bengals are now open to trade talks for star defensive end Trey Hendrickson as contract negotiations hit a wall. Reports from August 17, 2025, show the team is listening to offers amid a heated standoff over his deal, which could send the 2024 NFL sack leader to a new home before the season starts.
Contract Dispute Heats Up
Trey Hendrickson has made his frustration clear this offseason. He wants a new contract that matches his elite production, but talks with the Bengals have stalled.
Hendrickson, who signed a four-year extension in 2021, is set to earn $16 million in 2025. That figure feels low after his back-to-back seasons with 17.5 sacks each. Sources say the Bengals offered a deal he called too small, leading to poor communication between his agent and team leaders.
The Bengals have spent big on other stars lately. They locked up wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase with massive extensions this year. That spending spree might explain why Hendrickson’s requests have not moved forward. Former teammate Manti Te’o shared that Hendrickson described the Bengals’ offer as far below market value.
Fans and analysts point out the timing. With the 2025 regular season just weeks away, this dispute adds uncertainty to a team aiming for playoff success. Hendrickson skipped voluntary workouts earlier this year to push for a better deal, showing how serious he is about his future.
Potential Teams Eyeing Hendrickson
Several NFL teams have shown interest in trading for Hendrickson. His skills as a top pass rusher make him a hot commodity for squads needing edge help.
Reports highlight teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, and Green Bay Packers as possible fits. The Eagles could pair him with their strong defensive line to boost sack numbers. The Lions, fresh off a solid 2024, see him as a key piece for a Super Bowl run.
Other squads might join the mix. The Indianapolis Colts ranked low in sacks last year and could use his experience. Trade talks are early, but the Bengals want a high return, like a first-round pick or moremediary assets.
A deal would not be easy. Hendrickson’s contract has no guaranteed money left, which helps his trade value. Teams must weigh cap space, as adding him means fitting his salary into their budgets.
Here are some teams reportedly interested:
- Philadelphia Eagles: Need depth after injuries hit their line last season.
- Detroit Lions: Building a contender and seeking a partner for Aidan Hutchinson.
- Green Bay Packers: Looking for a veteran to mentor young edges like Lukas Van Ness.
- Indianapolis Colts: Struggled with pass rush in 2024 and have cap room.
Hendrickson’s Stellar Track Record
Hendrickson has proven himself as one of the NFL’s best defensive ends. His journey from the New Orleans Saints to Cincinnati shows steady growth.
He joined the Bengals in 2021 on a $60 million deal. Since then, he earned four Pro Bowl nods and led the league in sacks in 2024. His speed and power make him tough to block.
Let’s look at his key stats over recent years:
| Year | Team | Sacks | Tackles | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Bengals | 14 | 34 | 3 |
| 2022 | Bengals | 8 | 32 | 3 |
| 2023 | Bengals | 17.5 | 43 | 3 |
| 2024 | Bengals | 17.5 | 39 | 2 |
These numbers highlight his consistency. In 2024, he played a big role in the Bengals’ defense, which ranked top 10 in points allowed. Losing him could hurt their chances against tough AFC North rivals like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens.
Experts say his production justifies a raise. Top edge rushers like Nick Bosa earn over $30 million per year. Hendrickson, at 30 years old, still has prime years left.
Impact on Bengals’ Defense
Trading Hendrickson would leave a gap in Cincinnati’s front seven. The Bengals built their defense around him and players like Sam Hubbard.
Without Hendrickson, younger talents like Joseph Ossai might step up. But they lack his experience. The team drafted edge rushers in recent years, yet none match his output.
This move echoes past Bengals decisions. They let go of key players before, like when they traded Carlos Dunlap in 2020. That trade brought assets but weakened the line short-term.
Team owner Mike Brown faces criticism. Fans call the Bengals cheap despite recent spending on offense. A trade could free up cap space for other needs, like bolstering the secondary after injuries in 2024.
Fan Reactions and Broader NFL Trends
Social media buzzes with opinions on this news. Many Bengals fans feel betrayed, while others from contender teams dream of adding Hendrickson.
Posts online show mixed feelings. Some praise his work ethic, others worry about team chemistry. This fits a larger NFL trend of stars pushing for trades amid contract fights, like recent cases with Micah Parsons and Terry McLaurin.
Analysts predict no quick resolution. The Bengals might hold firm until the trade deadline in November 2025. Hendrickson could sit out games to force action, similar to holdouts by players like Le’Veon Bell in the past.
What Happens Next?
A trade seems possible but not certain. The Bengals value Hendrickson and might still extend him if talks improve.
Watch for updates as the season nears. The opener against the Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025, looms large. If no deal happens, Hendrickson might play under his current terms or request a trade publicly.
This story raises questions about team loyalty and player value in today’s NFL. Share your thoughts in the comments below. Do you think the Bengals should trade him or pay up? Let us know and spread the word on social media.
