Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson has requested a trade from the club, according to a report by Adam Schefter of ESPN. The move comes as a surprise, as Hendrickson signed a contract extension in 2023 that runs through the end of the 2025 season. The extension was set to pay him $15 million this season and $16 million in 2025. However, Schefter reports that Hendrickson is looking for long-term security, as he does not have any guaranteed money remaining on his contract.
Hendrickson, a third-round pick of the New Orleans Saints in 2017, first signed with the Bengals as a free agent in 2021. He is coming off the best season of his career in 2023, when he set or tied career highs in sacks (17.5), tackles for loss (16), tackles (43), forced fumbles (three) and passes defended (three). He was named a first-team All-Pro for the first time in his career and was selected to represent the AFC in the Pro Bowl for the third straight season. Hendrickson’s 17.5 sacks represented more than the next five Bengals players combined, with Sam Hubbard (six) and rookie Myles Murphy (three) representing the other defensive ends in the team’s regular rotation.
It’s unclear what the trade market might be for Hendrickson. The Carolina Panthers traded edge rusher Brian Burns to the New York Giants for a second, a fifth and a swap of fifth-round picks earlier this offseason. Burns recorded only eight sacks last season, though he is three years younger.
Hendrickson’s trade request comes amid a chaotic offseason for the Bengals. The club picked up the fifth-year option for wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, but would like to get a long-term deal done with him. Meanwhile, fellow wide receiver Tee Higgins has requested a trade after being hit with the franchise tag earlier this offseason.
