The Cincinnati Bengals are listening to offers for star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson. The 30-year-old is the reigning NFL sack king and will make $16 million in the last year of his contract, and he wants what will likely be the final major money extension of his career.
The Bengals, thus far, have been reticent to give it to him, at least reportedly in the guarantee structure he's seeking. Cincinnati has long hesitated to give out multiyear guarantees in contracts, though the Bengals did do it with Ja'Marr Chase earlier this offseason. Without Hendrickson, the Bengals' defense might be even worse than it was last season, when it ranked 27th in DVOA.
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Thus far, it seems like Cincinnati is willing to risk that last point, on however small a level. The asking price for Hendrickson, per reports? A 2026 first-round pick and a young defensive player.
Let's take a look at his trade market, split into the teams that have reportedly reached out about him, and the teams that should.
Teams that reportedly reached out about Trey Hendrickson
Cleveland Browns
Pairing Hendrickson with Myles Garrett would instantly give the Browns the best edge room in the NFL. Cleveland has an extra first-round pick in 2026, and perhaps the Bengals could be tempted by cornerback Greg Newsome II (25 years old) or safety Grant Delpit (27 in September) as the "young defensive player" they're reportedly seeking. The big problem, which will almost certainly preclude a deal, is that the Browns and Bengals are division rivals. Don't expect this one to happen.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are now led by former Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, and are looking for more juice for their pass rush room. They went edge in the first round of last year's NFL Draft with Laiatu Latu and the second round of this year's with JT Tuimoloau, though Tuimoloau has been banged up this preseason. Perhaps one of them could be the young defensive player the Bengals want. Another impetus to trade for Hendrickson? A third straight middling season for head coach Shane Steichen might prompt some uncomfortable questions next offseason, however much it's tied to the quarterback issues as well.
Carolina Panthers
Hendrickson lining up next to nose tackle Derrick Brown in defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero's 3-4 scheme is a tempting proposition. Carolina isn't one player away from genuine contention, though, and trading the first-round pick this upcoming draft might make the Panthers hesitant. Two years ago, they traded another future first to move up to select Bryce Young, and the jury is still very much out on that gamble. Still, if the Panthers are motivated, this feels like a deal that could get done, especially if Cincinnati values either of the Day 2 pass rushers Carolina drafted last April in Nic Scourton (who's battling a collapsed lung) and Princely Umanmielen.
Teams that should be interested in Trey Hendrickson
New England Patriots
The most cap space in the league. A good defensive line that's missing edge rush juice. A team that's trying to get back into contention sooner than later. A young roster that could use veteran leadership. A head coach with a defensive background. There are plenty of reasons to like the Patriots-Trey Hendrickson fit, but would New England really part ways with its 2026 first-round pick? Also, there might not be much to tempt Cincinnati in the way of a young defensive player, with the Patriots prioritizing offense the past two drafts and star young cornerback Christian Gonzalez presumably untouchable.
Dallas Cowboys
Listen, a Micah Parsons-for-Trey Hendrickson swap is about as galaxy-brained as it gets. But in the wonderful world of hypotheticals, it's kind of a clean fit? Parsons is the better player with more future potential, but the Cowboys are in relative win-now mode and couldn't ask for a better way to absorb the hit of losing him. Plus, a player of Parsons' caliber might tempt the Bengals to scrap their 2026 first-round pick ask. And the Cowboys have plenty of cap space, which so far they've been reluctant to use on Parsons for whatever reason, but might be fine using on Hendrickson at a lower dollar figure. We could look back at this and consider it an incredible called shot. Or maybe the surest sign yet actual regular season football needs to get here.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams, like the Browns, have an extra first-round pick this upcoming draft, not to mention a cupboard full of young defensive talent. Trey Hendrickson would also fit the Rams' transitional timeline, as they look to get one more good season out of Matthew Stafford before hopefully transitioning to a top quarterback in the 2026 draft. Maybe Team "F Them Picks" has one more major deal up its sleeve?
Detroit Lions
Speaking of teams in contention windows, the Lions reportedly reached out about Myles Garrett after he requested a trade earlier this offseason. So why not Trey Hendrickson too? Pairing Hendrickson with Aidan Hutchinson would not only give Detroit arguably the league's best pass rush, but also protect against the injury bug that the Lions seemingly can't shake on that side of the ball. There is a ton of talent there, though, and while parting with a 2026 first-round pick is steep — especially for an organization under GM Brad Holmes that drafts well and develops — the pressure is mounting to reach the Super Bowl. Maybe that's motivation?
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