Trey Hendrickson has done everything a team could ask. He’s hunted quarterbacks relentlessly, with purpose, and without apology. Seventeen and a half sacks in 2024-25. Top of the league. All-Pro honors.
Not flash, not theater, just thunder and bruises. And still, the Bengals sit on their wallet. Too old, they whisper behind doors. Too expensive, they say. But what would the price be in a potential trade if Cincinnati refuses to pay Hendrickson what he’s worth?
Would the Bengals Trade Trey Hendrickson?
Hendrickson and the Bengals have reportedly restarted contract talks, but Moe Morton at Bleacher Report suggests the Bengals should pursue a trade with the Detroit Lions.
It’s not a far-fetched idea. The Bengals are very uncomfortable giving Hendrickson $30 million per year, and the Lions are in win-now mode after being flushed out of the playoffs in 2024 thanks to a rash of injuries on defense.
On top of that, the Lions would be well-served to put another elite edge rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
As it stands now, the Lions have Marcus Davenport on the edge, but he’s missed 28 games over the last two years, making him a significant risk. Al-Quadin Muhammad is a solid veteran in a rotational role, and Josh Paschal has shown flashes against the run, but has only 3.5 sacks in two years.
Morton pegs the price for Hendrickson at a second-rounder and a fifth-rounder in 2026. For a team desperate to make a deep playoff run and its first Super Bowl appearance, it’s an all-in bet that could pay big dividends for Detroit’s defense.
Why Does This Trade Make Sense for Both Teams?
The trade makes sense for the Bengals, who are deep on the D-line. Myles Murphy, Joseph Ossai, and rookie Shemar Stewart are a strong core up front.
Additionally, the Bengals have handed out big contracts to Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins. There’s only so much money in the salary cap era.
Meanwhile, the Lions must feel like this is the year to push their chips in. They have a top-five offensive line, a physical run game, and Jared Goff playing within himself.
Adding Hendrickson would give Detroit a dominant pass rush that would provide cover for a shaky secondary. Everything in Detroit’s defense is dependent on its pass rush, and a one-two punch of Hutchinson and Hendrickson would be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.
Now it’s up to Cincinnati’s brass to fish or cut bait with Hendrickson’s contract demands.
MORE: Super Bowl Contender Mentioned As Trade Candidate for Trey Hendrickson As Bengals Star’s Contract Drama Continues