Trey Hendrickson’s name has once again surfaced in trade rumors, continuing a saga that has dominated headlines for weeks. The Cincinnati Bengals’ star edge rusher remains in a bitter contract standoff, with no end in sight. As speculation swirls around potential trade destinations, the Bengals appear unmoved, standing firm despite growing pressure and Hendrickson’s dissatisfaction with his current deal.
The source of the drama is Hendrickson’s demand for a lucrative contract extension. While the exact figures he’s seeking haven’t been publicly confirmed, it’s clear he expects to be paid in line with the league’s top pass rushers — those earning over \$30 million per year. Hendrickson is set to earn \$21 million under his current contract, a number he reportedly refuses to play on. For context, he’s coming off back-to-back seasons with 17 or more sacks, making him one of the NFL’s most productive and dangerous edge defenders. With that kind of resume, Hendrickson believes he deserves a contract that reflects his elite performance.
As interest in Hendrickson grows, various NFL media outlets continue to pitch trade scenarios. One of the most recent involves the Chicago Bears, where Pete Martuneac has advocated for a deal that would bring the Pro Bowler to the Windy City. Martuneac acknowledged Hendrickson’s age — he’ll turn 31 in December — but emphasized his consistent dominance on the field. He argued that Hendrickson’s presence would provide a significant boost to a Bears defense in need of a true pass-rushing threat. However, he also admitted the financial roadblock: the Bears currently lack the cap flexibility to take on such a contract unless they make other moves.
That’s the dilemma for any potential suitor. Hendrickson isn’t likely to waive his demands, so unless a team is ready to offer a long-term, big-money deal, he’s staying put — for now. Hendrickson has expressed public frustration with the Bengals, even going so far as to accuse the organization of dishonesty. ESPN’s Adam Schefter added more fuel to the fire, stating that the two sides are at odds not only on contract value but also on the length of the deal. According to Schefter, the Bengals want a shorter-term extension, while Hendrickson is seeking something more secure and long-term. With no agreement in sight on either front, negotiations appear to be completely stalled.
Reportedly, the Bengals’ most recent offer came in at around \$28 million per year — a figure considered by many as a low-ball in today’s pass-rusher market. That offer came a month ago, and there’s been no indication that Cincinnati has improved it, reinforcing the belief that the team is digging in.
Hendrickson’s situation is becoming increasingly untenable. For Cincinnati, the time has come to make a choice: either present a competitive, market-value offer that satisfies one of the league’s most productive defenders or explore a serious trade before the situation grows more toxic. Either way, the clock is ticking — and inaction could come at a high price.
