Bengals might not want to trade Trey Hendrickson to NFC team, but they should deal him

Bengals may not want to trade Trey Hendrickson

The 2-3 Bengals aren’t declaring themselves as sellers yet. On the contrary, they acquired quarterback Joe Flacco from the Browns earlier this week in an effort to keep their season alive. Flacco will start Sunday against the Packers in place of the demoted Jake Browning, who struggled mightily replacing the injured Joe Burrow.

It’s a long shot that the 40-year-old Flacco will rescue a deeply flawed Cincinnati team that’s on the outside of the playoff picture. If he doesn’t, it could behoove the Bengals to sell Hendrickson to the highest bidder in the next few weeks.

After his second straight 17.5-sack showing in 2024, Hendrickson and the Bengals continued a long standoff regarding his contract during the offseason. They finally agreed to a revised deal in late August, thus preventing Hendrickson from holding out into the regular season.

Bengals should trade Trey Hendrickson

While Hendrickson’s amended contract didn’t add any years, it did increase his 2025 salary from $15.8M to $30M. The soon-to-be 31-year-old is due to reach free agency in the offseason, when he’ll likely price himself out of Cincinnati. That’s assuming he even finishes the season as a Bengal. If he does, the Bengals could place the franchise tag on Hendrickson, but it would cost upward of $35M to keep him under wraps. 

That may be tough to swing for a team that already has exorbitant commitments in Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins for 2026. That trio of offensive core players will combine to count approximately $100M against the salary cap next season.

Burrow’s toe injury has been the Bengals’ main problem this season, but it isn’t the only culprit for their poor start. Despite Hendrickson’s presence, their defense ranks 30th in the NFL in points and yardage surrendered. That’s another reason a 2025 turnaround looks unlikely for the club. Hendrickson hasn’t done anything to hurt his trade value, though, having notched four sacks and eight quarterback hits over the first five games of the season. He’s Pro Football Focus’ 11th-ranked EDGE player this year.

49ers likely to trade for a pass-rusher

While the Bengals may eventually sell, the 49ers are lining up as buyers after a 4-1 start. They’ve weathered a series of injuries to key players — Bosa, quarterback Brock Purdy and tight end George Kittle, among others — to reemerge as NFC contenders after a down 2024. They’ve succeeded despite an anemic pass rush that ranks 30th in the league in sacks. Bosa and Bryce Huff have combined for five of the 49ers’ six sacks. Cornerback Upton Stout has the other, meaning the majority of the 49ers’ front seven has been shut out.

Although it may not turn out to be Hendrickson, it seems like a given that the 49ers will bring in a complement (or complements) to Huff by early November. With around $24M in cap space, the 49ers are as well-positioned as anyone to make an expensive splash. That could mean reeling in Hendrickson if the Bengals ultimately wave the white flag on their season.