Following in the footsteps of wide receiver Tee Higgins, star defensive end Trey Hendrickson has requested a trade away from the Cincinnati Bengals. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Hendrickson’s request stems from a disagreement over a long-term contract extension. The 28-year-old pass rusher is under contract through the 2025 season but is reportedly seeking a more lucrative deal than the Bengals have been willing to offer.
Hendrickson has been a key contributor for the Bengals since joining the team in 2020. He recorded a career-high 17.5 sacks last season and has totaled 39.5 sacks over his three years in Cincinnati. His departure would be a significant blow to the Bengals’ defense, which ranked 14th in the NFL in sacks in 2022.
The Bengals have reportedly expressed “zero interest in dealing him,” according to The Athletic. However, if they were to trade Hendrickson before June 1, they could save $12.3 million in cap space while incurring $7.8 million in dead money. A deal after June 1 would save the team $15 million but result in a dead-money hit of $5.2 million.
The Bengals missed the playoffs in 2022 after making it the previous two seasons, including a trip to the Super Bowl in 2021. Hendrickson’s trade request adds to the uncertainty surrounding the team’s future as they look to rebuild and contend for a championship.
