Bengals’ Star Defensive End Trey Hendrickson Granted Permission to Seek Trade

CINCINNATI, Ohio — The Cincinnati Bengals have granted star defensive end Trey Hendrickson permission to seek a trade, a move confirmed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Thursday. This decision marks the second consecutive year that Hendrickson has requested to explore trade opportunities, highlighting his desire for a more favorable contract and long-term security.

Hendrickson, 30, has been a powerful force on the Bengals’ defense, leading the NFL with 17.5 sacks in the 2024 season. His performance earned him first-team All-Pro honors, and he has been selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his four seasons with the Bengals. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to represent Cincinnati over the last four years,” Hendrickson stated. “I love this city and organization. I appreciate the privilege of now being allowed to explore my options,” he added.

The defensive end is currently under contract through the 2025 season, with a projected salary of approximately $15.8 million in base pay, along with a $200,000 roster bonus. Despite his impressive record, which includes 57 total sacks since joining the Bengals, Hendrickson’s average annual salary places him 11th among edge rushers in the league.

As the Bengals head into a critical offseason, Hendrickson is not the only player pursuing a new contract. Wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase are also looking for extensions. Recently, the team placed a franchise tag on Higgins, ensuring he will not become a free agent after a standout season in which he recorded 73 receptions for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns.

This marks a significant moment for Hendrickson, who initially signed a four-year, $60 million contract with the Bengals in 2021 and extended it prior to the 2023 season. His rising stature in the league, coinciding with Higgins’ and Chase’s pursuits for contract negotiations, adds complexity to the Bengals’ roster management moving forward.

“If it’s something that helps the Bengals win the Super Bowl, if they get picks or anything like that, I want to help win a Super Bowl for Cincinnati,” Hendrickson commented during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show earlier this year.

As NFL offseason moves unfold, the focus will remain on how Hendrickson’s potential departure might impact the Bengals’ defensive strategy and overall team dynamics next season.