Cincinnati Bengals Playmaker Attends Offseason Program Despite Requesting Trade

Bengals three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Trey Hendrickson arrived to the team’s offseason program on May 13, despite requesting a trade earlier this offseason.

Despite requesting a trade, Hendrickson’s approach to the offseason program is an unorthodox one.

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow threw his support behind Hendrickson and star wide receiver Tee Higgins, who has also requested a trade.

“Those guys have their business they need to take care of. I support them in every way,” Burrow told reporters. “Both those guys have earned everything that has come to them and more. I’ll support them all the way through it.

“Whatever they feel like is best for their career. That’s for them and their agents and their families to decide. But we are here to win football games. I really hope both of those guys are here next year, because we are a better football team with both of them. They are both great locker room guys, too. They are going to do what they’ve got to do, but when the time comes for them to come back, if that time comes, we are going to welcome them back and hit our stride.”

Hendrickson is set to play out the next two seasons in a Bengals uniform — barring a trade, after signing an extension through the 2025 season worth $14.8 million in 2024 and $15.8 million next season.

Last season, Hendrickson produced 43 tackles with a career-high 17.5 sacks, bolstering his reputation as one of the game’s most disruptive pass-rushers.

Whether Hendrickson’s deal gets reworked or he winds up being dealt, the 29-year-old seems to be showing good faith amid the negotiations by taking part in the voluntary workouts.