The future of Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson is shrouded in doubt, as the player’s ongoing contract stalemate with the team continues. The player was permitted to seek a trade earlier in the offseason, but remains with the Bengals for the time being after no trade materialized.
With a move to another team still a possibility, three NFL analysts have linked the 2024 sack leader with several different franchises.
Trey Hendrickson Contract Stalemate With Cincinnati Bengals Continues
Hendrickson has maintained that he prefers to remain in Cincinnati and continue playing for the team that signed him in 2021. However, he has become disillusioned with the team, having previously been told he would be paid this offseason.
After going on to lead the NFL in sacks, it’s understandable that Hendrickson expected the team to keep its word. Instead, though, new deals for several offensive pieces have left the team short of funds. Hendrickson has since become upset at what he claims has been a complete lack of communication from the team, as well as suggestions from the front office that he is to blame for the stalemate.
Myles Garrett, another of the league’s top pass rushers, was handed a four-year, $160 million extension this offseason. Maxx Crosby also signed a massive extension, a three-year deal worth $106.5 million. Hendrickson has recorded more sacks than both Garrett and Crosby in each of the last two seasons, so his frustration is understandable.
3 Potential Trade Destinations for Hendrickson
Mark Ross: Philadelphia Eagles
In a recent article for NFL.com, analysts Mark Ross, Jeffri Chadiha, and Kevin Patra all named Hendrickson in their “trades we’d like to see” segment. Ross linked the player with the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles, citing the team’s offseason pass-rush losses.
“General manager Howie Roseman hit big on the trade for wide receiver A.J. Brown in 2022. Trading for Hendrickson, who’s in a contract standoff with the Bengals, could provide a similar effect for the defense. Plus, the Eagles just cleared more cap space by dealing [Bryce] Huff. This would be a case of the rich getting richer — and a move I wouldn’t put past Philly.”
The Eagles are in the rare position of being in win-now mode, while also having a roster littered with stars with enormous futures ahead of them. The Eagles can thank their savvy draft habits for much of their success.
That impressive drafting has left them facing multiple lucrative extensions in the coming years, including Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, and Nakobe Dean. The Eagles could attract the Bengals star, but they need to be wary of future spending.
Jeffri Chadiha: Washington Commanders
Jeffri Chadiha, meanwhile, named the Washington Commanders an ideal landing spot for Hendrickson.
“Washington is a contender that could desperately use the pass-rush help and has the cap space to make this move happen with QB Jayden Daniels on a rookie deal.”
3.5 sacks tonight. 17.5 sacks on the season.
Trey Hendrickson was a BEAST for the @Bengals 💪 pic.twitter.com/Ul2vloeM85
— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2025
The Commanders have been aggressive this offseason, making eye-catching moves for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil. Dante Fowler, who led the team in sacks (10.5) last season, is now on the division rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, leaving the team thin in the pass rush.
Hendrickson would be a phenomenal signing for Washington and would make one of the league’s most exciting teams even more so.
Kevin Patra: New England Patriots
Finally, Kevin Patra linked Hendrickson to the New England Patriots. The six-time Super Bowl champions have struggled mightily since Tom Brady left for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020. Patra suggests that trading for Hendrickson would bring the Patriots much closer to challenging in the AFC East, a division they won in 17 of 18 years with Brady leading the team (sat in 2000, injured in 2008).
“Mike Vrabel could use a legit No. 1 edge to anchor his defense, and the Pats still have cap space. Sure, they’ve shelled out a lot on D already this offseason, but they should continue to take big swings while Drake Maye is still on a rookie deal.”
The Patriots’ defense recorded the fewest sacks (28) and tackles for loss (62) in the NFL last season. For context, the Denver Broncos recorded more sacks (63) in 2024 than the Patriots managed total tackles for loss.
LSU product Bradyn Swinson was added in the fifth round of April’s NFL Draft, while Harold Landry was signed in free agency. Hendrickson would add valuable sacks and regularly force wayward, off-balance throws for cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis to feed on downfield.