NFL Trade Rumors: Cincinnati Bengals Give Edge Rusher Trey Hendrickson Permission to Seek Trade

Another superstar AFC North pass rusher is looking for a new home. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Cincinnati Bengals are allowing four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Trey Hendrickson to seek a trade.

The Bengals have taken the rare step of granting All-Pro DE Trey Hendrickson permission to seek a trade. “It’s been an honor and privilege to represent Cincinnati over the last four years,” said Hendrickson, the NFL’s sack leader. “I love this city and organization. I appreciate… pic.twitter.com/7P7Hbe2Y9e
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 6, 2025

Hendrickson has been frustrated with the Bengals for nearly a year now, primarily due to his inability to land a long-term lucrative extension. It hasn't affected his play: Hendrickson led the league with 17.5 sacks in 2024 and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting.

Hendrickson is the second dominant edge rusher in the AFC North to put himself on the trade market this offseason, following Cleveland Browns All-Pro Myles Garrett. However, the Browns have made it clear they have no intention of trading Garrett, while the Bengals are evidently willing to play ball.

Hendrickson wouldn't ordinarily be the sort of player teams make available, but the Bengals are facing a very serious cap situation. They just applied a second consecutive franchise tag to wide receiver Tee Higgins, and Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has previously pressured the team to extend the star pass catcher. Meanwhile, Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase should expect to become the league's highest-paid wide receiver on his next deal, eclipsing Minnesota Vikings pass catcher Justin Jefferson's $35 million per year deal.

Still only 30 years old, Hendrickson should be considered one of the most intriguing players available this offseason. Though he may not have the name recognition of Garrett, he isn't far behind in production. Since 2020, Hendrickson has notched an amazing 70.5 sacks, third-most in the league behind only Garrett (72.0) and Pittsburgh Steelers superstar T.J. Watt (73.5).

Any team in need of a premier edge rusher should take a long look at Hendrickson. He will undoubtedly require significant draft picks and a massive extension. At the very least, the Bengals should expect a second-round pick, and Hendrickson will be looking for a deal north of $30 million per year. That's a significant investment for any team. Still, few players in the league have been as consistent and effective as Hendrickson in recent years. He could be a difference-maker on a contending team.