After failing to solve a contract dispute, the Cincinnati Bengals are open to trading edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. The reported asking price is extremely high and will likely have to come down to execute a trade.
Bengals Rumored Asking Price For Trey Hendrickson
Teams that have recently inquired about Bengals star Trey Hendrickson were told Cincinnati’s asking price included a young defensive player and a 2026 first-round pick, according to league sources.
The player heading back does not have to be a pass rusher. pic.twitter.com/0BqesqeZRp
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) August 18, 2025
After weeks of silence, there has finally been a significant update in Hendrickson’s standoff with the Bengals.
Cincinnati is now listening to trade offers from other teams that want to acquire Hendrickson.
To move on from Hendrickson, the Bengals have a steep price.
Per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Bengals are looking for a first-round pick and a young defensive player in exchange for Henderson.
It’s doubtful that a team would give up a first-round pick for Hendrickson. First of all, the season is weeks away. Had the Bengals entertained trade offers during the spring when teams had more draft capital and cap space, they could have had more suitors and executed a trade.
Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Bengals were offered a “second-round pick and change” for Hendrickson before April’s draft. Cincinnati turned the offer down in hopes that they would receive a first-round pick.
There is also the issue of money. A team trading for Hendrickson will want to sign him to a contract extension, which is what the pass rusher has been fighting for in Cincinnati.
Hendrickson will make a base salary of around $16 million in 2025. With an average annual salary of $21 million per year, Hendrickson is not even in the top 10 of the highest-paid edge rushers.
The NFL’s reigning sack king, who has 35 in the last two seasons, will want a significant increase in salary and guaranteed money. Hendrickson’s new deal probably has to start with an average annual salary north of $35 million.
Several Teams Are Interested In Trading For Hendrickson
If the Bengals lower their asking price, several teams would happily trade for Hendrickson to strengthen their pass rush.
Per Jordan Schultz, the Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, and Indianapolis Colts have all shown interest in a trade for Hendrickson.
The biggest issue for the Bengals in 2024 was their defense. While Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase put up historic numbers, their defense allowed 25.5 points per game and 348.3 total yards per game.
Trading away Hendrickson before the season is a situation that could have been avoided had the Bengals paid the edge rusher last offseason.
The #Bengals want to keep Trey Hendrickson, and Hendrickson himself wants to stay in Cincinnati and finish his career there. But talks “keep hitting a wall,” I’m told.
There was some thought that Hendrickson reporting to camp would help move things forward, but the same contract… https://t.co/E7gt81A0Oh
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 17, 2025
