Is Trey Hendrickson on the Trading Block? What Fans Need to Know About the Bengals’ Future Moves

There’s a key difference between letting a player look for a trade and actively listening to trade offers. That’s where Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson stands now. A few months back, the Bengals let Hendrickson explore trade options. Now, they are reportedly open to offers for him.

Initially, allowing him to search for a deal might have helped him see what teams are willing to pay. So far, it seems some teams are ready to offer him more than the Bengals. This shift is notable because the market for defensive ends has rapidly evolved.

Take the Raiders, for instance. They signed Maxx Crosby for an average of $35.5 million per year. Shortly after, the Browns re-signed Myles Garrett with a stunning average of $40 million. Most recently, T.J. Watt of the Steelers pushed that figure even higher to $41 million.

Another issue for Hendrickson involves his contract. Rumor has it that the Bengals aren’t ready to guarantee more than the first year of his deal. Given that Hendrickson has expressed he won’t play for his current salary of $16 million, it’s likely other teams would only make an offer if they believe they can sign him to a better deal.

With the Bengals supposedly fielding offers, the pressure is on them. What does this mean for their star quarterback, Joe Burrow? It may not sit well with him if Hendrickson departs.

As the season opener draws near—only weeks away—any decisions need to be made quickly. Hendrickson’s future hangs in the balance, and time is running out.

For context, the landscape of NFL contracts has changed significantly over the last few years. Teams are more willing to invest heavily in star players, as evidenced by these recent contracts. A report from Statista shows that the average salary for NFL defensive ends has increased by nearly 50% in just five years, indicating a shift in how valuable players like Hendrickson are viewed.

In conclusion, whether Hendrickson stays or goes could impact not just the Bengals’ defense, but also the morale of their squad as they head into the season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this unfolds.



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