Bengals have taken one outcome 'off the table' with Trey Hendrickson?

The Cincinnati Bengals gave star defensive lineman Trey Hendrickson permission to seek a trade earlier in the offseason, but it sounds like the team's stance has changed.

Hendrickson is the next Bengals star who is seeking a massive contract extension after Cincinnati signed wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to new four-year deals. Hendrickson, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks last season, is entering the final year of his contract and set to make $15.8 million in 2025.

On Tuesday, Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reported that trading Hendrickson appears to be "off the table" for the Bengals.

"My understanding of the Trey Hendrickson situation is that the organization and ownership are fully prepared to move forward and attempt to negotiate a deal with him. I don't believe they want to trade him at all. I actually would say, after talking to multiple people involved, that they have now reached the conclusion that a trade is really off the table.

"So, that's great news for Bengals fans. Now, it really becomes can both sides reach a fair agreement? Can they come together and find a number that works for not only Trey, but obviously the organization?"

Schultz noted how the Houston Texans signed All-Pro pass-rusher Danielle Hunter to a one-year, $35.6 million extension last week. Since Hendrickson and Hunter are both 30, the reporter believes that deal could serve as a "blueprint" for the Bengals in negotiations with their defensive star.