NFL insider reveals 'ridiculous' Bengals asking price holding up potential Trey Hendrickson trade

Since January 2024, the closest comparison for a trade involving an edge-rusher was last March's transaction that sent former Panthers outside linebacker Brian Burns to the Giants.

New York gave Carolina three draft picks in that deal, including a 2024 second, a 2024 fifth and a conditional 2025 fifth. After acquiring Burns, the Giants signed the six-year veteran to a five-year, $150 million contract ($87.5 million guaranteed).

Hendrickson has produced larger sack numbers in recent seasons, including an NFL-high 17.5 in 2024. His 35 sacks since the start of the 2023 season rank first among all defenders. (h/t Stathead)

But Hendrickson, 30, is five years older than Burns when he was traded to the Giants. If the Bengals wait for a team to relinquish a first-round pick in a trade for Hendrickson, they might be sorely disappointed.

Cincinnati's hardline approach to a Hendrickson trade also reveals the absurdity of pursuing a deal in the first place. The Bengals clearly understand Hendrickson's worth, or they wouldn't ask prospective trade partners for something "ridiculous" in return.

The Bengals won't be any better if they trade Hendrickson, especially if the most they can get for him is a Day 2 pick and change.

It makes sense that Cincinnati would try to extract as much value out of a Hendrickson deal as possible. But with the star pass-rusher on an expiring contract, the Bengals have minimal leverage in trade negotiations. If they don't operate in good faith, they'll risk allowing him to leave next year without receiving more than a compensatory pick.

Cincinnati has time to play the market and see if offers improve, but it can't hold Hendrickson forever if it isn't interested in resigning him. If suitable deals haven't presented themselves yet, it's difficult to imagine them improving the deeper we get into the offseason.