By Dianna Russini, Paul Dehner Jr. and RJ Kraft
The Cincinnati Bengals have allowed defensive end Trey Hendrickson to explore trade options. This decision comes as the team focuses on securing long-term contracts for wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Recently, Higgins received a franchise tag to prevent him from entering free agency. The Bengals have also proposed a deal for Chase, but the two sides haven’t reached an agreement yet. Chase’s upcoming contract could potentially reshape market expectations for non-quarterback players.
Hendrickson had an impressive season, leading the league with 17.5 sacks. He finished second in the Defensive Player of the Year voting and was recognized as a first-team All-Pro. Over his four years with the Bengals, he has consistently earned Pro Bowl selections.
Even though Hendrickson is under contract through 2025 and has an $18.6 million cap hit, he is seeking a new deal. He previously requested a trade last summer but chose to stay and excel during the most recent season.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin spoke about Hendrickson’s status. Tobin expressed a preference to keep Hendrickson on the team, emphasizing the organization’s desire to honor his contributions with a suitable contract.
Hendrickson was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2017 and had his breakout season in his final year there with 13.5 sacks. The Bengals signed him to a significant four-year deal worth $60 million after perceiving his potential. Since then, only T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett have recorded more sacks than Hendrickson’s 70.5 since the beginning of 2020.
So, why would the Bengals consider trading Hendrickson? One reason is that the team is prioritizing contracts for Higgins and Chase. While Hendrickson certainly merits a new deal, the organization isn’t aiming to meet the top market rates, which are around $35 million per year, similar to players like Nick Bosa. With Hendrickson approaching 31 years old, the organization is looking to invest in younger talents, especially with a new defensive coordinator onboard.
Trading Hendrickson could free up additional cap space, allowing the Bengals to address other defensive needs. With the upcoming draft filled with strong defensive line prospects, acquiring extra draft picks could prove beneficial for the franchise’s future.
As for potential compensation if Hendrickson is traded, it’s unlikely that he would fetch a first-round pick. Historically, defensive players of his age have not commanded first-round value in trades. However, his recent accolades might draw offers close to that level, akin to a second-round pick, with the Bengals likely seeking additional compensation to finalize any deal.
In the evolving landscape of NFL trades, assessing Hendrickson’s value will depend on market conditions and team needs. With a robust season behind him, his impact on the field makes him a sought-after asset for teams looking to boost their defenses.
Check out this related article: Bengals Open Trade Talks: Star DE Trey Hendrickson Available for Teams Seeking Defensive Boost
Source linkCincinnati Bengals, NFL
