The Cincinnati Bengals are facing a difficult situation as two of their star players, wide receiver Tee Higgins and Pro Bowl defensive end Trey Hendrickson, have requested trades due to the organization’s failure to initiate contract extension discussions.
While Higgins’ desire for a new deal has been publicly known for months, Hendrickson’s trade request has come as a surprise to the Bengals organization. Both players have expressed frustration with the front office’s unwillingness to address their contract situations.
Hendrickson has gone a step further, threatening to retire from football if the Bengals do not grant him a long-term extension. This tactic, while employed by some players in the past, is a bold move for Hendrickson, considering his age and contract status.
At 29 years old, Hendrickson has two years remaining on his current contract with an average salary cap hit of $19 million per season. Despite his impressive performance in Cincinnati, history shows that even elite pass rushers like Aaron Donald and Von Miller experience a decline in their late 20s and early 30s.
Hendrickson’s leverage in this situation is limited. Few NFL teams would be willing to trade for a player who is seeking an extension beyond his prime. This means that the Bengals have little incentive to grant his trade request unless they receive a substantial offer, such as a first or second-round draft pick.
The Bengals’ stance is further strengthened by the presence of talented defensive end Myles Murphy, who was drafted last season. While Murphy is an unproven player, he provides the Bengals with a potential replacement for Hendrickson if he decides to hold out on his contract.
Overall, Hendrickson’s threat to retire and his timing have weakened his negotiating position. The Bengals have options to fill his role, and they are unlikely to meet his demands for a long-term extension. The situation could lead to a prolonged standoff, with both sides unwilling to compromise.
