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Bengals Appear To Make Decision On Trey Hendrickson Trade

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Mar 25, 2025 6:32 PM ET

On the heels of locking down two stars, the Cincinnati Bengals can turn their attention to Trey Hendrickson.

Earlier this month, the Bengals granted Hendrickson permission to seek a trade. The All-Pro defensive lineman wants a new deal entering his final season under contract.

Although the Bengals allowed Hendrickson to pursue a move, FOX Sports insider Jordan Schultz said they're inclined to keep him.

"The organization and ownership are fully prepared to move forward and attempt to negotiate a deal with him," Schultz said on the NFL on FOX Podcast.

Schultz added that the Bengals have internally ruled out moving Hendrickson.

"I don't believe they want to trade him at all," he continued. "And I would actually say, after talking to multiple people involved, that they reached the conclusion that a trade is really off the table."

The Bengals surprised some fans by re-signing Tee Higgins while also awarding Ja'Marr Chase a record-setting extension. After paying both star wide receivers, observers will wonder if they have more money to keep their defensive stalwart.

Hendrickson has made four Pro Bowls since joining Cincinnati in 2021. He's registered 17.5 sacks in consecutive seasons and tallied a career-high 36 quarterback hits in 2024.

Trading Hendrickson would be a major blow for a Bengals defense that ranked 25th in yards and points allowed last season. They missed the playoffs at 9-8 despite Joe Burrow leading the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns.

On Monday's The Pat McAfee Show, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said the Bengals are "working" to re-sign Hendrickson. He believes the 30-year-old could receive an average annual value of at least $30 million.

"I know they would like to keep him in the building," Rapoport said. "They would like to pay him, and I think they would like people to stop saying, 'Why don't the Bengals pay their guys?'"

Last week, the Houston Texans signed Danielle Hunter to a one-year, $35.6 million extension for 2026. Schultz called that deal a "potential blueprint" for Hendrickson.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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