NFL Trade Rumors: Cincinnati Bengals Asking Too Much in Trey Hendrickson Trade Discussions

The Cincinnati Bengals aren't looking to do opposing teams any favors. According to the Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Bengals' asking price in Trey Hendrickson trade discussions has been "ridiculous."

Teams are willing to pay Trey Hendrickson the contract that he desires but have found Cincinnati’s current asking price to be “ridiculous,” as one GM told me.

The Bengals can adjust as the offseason progresses, but right now, teams aren’t willing to meet their terms. pic.twitter.com/xzaIllagVz
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 13, 2025

The Bengals gave Hendrickson permission to seek a trade earlier this month after contract negotiations stalled. According to Russini, other teams have been willing to give Hendrickson the money he's looking for but have been put off by the draft compensation the Bengals have demanded.

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 the league's most famous pass rushers, he isn't far behind in production. Since 2020, Hendrickson has notched an amazing 70.5 sacks, third-most in the league behind only Cleveland Browns All-Pro Myles Garrett (72.0) and Pittsburgh Steelers superstar T.J. Watt (73.5).

Garrett recently agreed to a monster four-year, $160 million extension, so the price of elite edge rushers is higher than ever. That contract is likely out of reach for Hendrickson, but he could very well exceed $30 million per year on his next deal and even flirt with total compensation in the neighborhood of the three-year, $106.5 million pact Maxx Crosby recently signed with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Arguably, the biggest trade of this offseason has been the Steelers' acquisition of wide receiver D.K. Metcalf. The Steelers sent the Seattle Seahawks a 2025 second-round pick and promptly signed the 27-year-old to a four-year, $132 million extension. That contract is probably right in line with what Hendrickson is looking for, so it would make sense for him to fetch similar draft compensation.

If the Bengals are scaring teams off with their trade demands, they must be looking for a first-round pick and beyond for Hendrickson. They may change their tune as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches or if Hendrickson (and other Bengals) decide to make things uncomfortable.

For now, the Bengals appear to be playing hardball. Whether or not it works out will be easy to judge. If they can eventually exceed the trade package the Seahawks received for Metcalf, then they negotiated effectively. If they fall short, then they've wasted their time.