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Trey Hendrickson's Current Trade Status With Bengals Revealed

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  Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, October 18th 2025 at 14:59 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Trey Hendrickson's Bengals Future Remains Uncertain Amidst Trade Rumors

The Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive end situation is facing a period of significant uncertainty surrounding veteran Trey Hendrickson, according to recent reporting from Bengals.com and detailed analysis by Paul Dreesen. While not definitively on the trade block, Hendrickson’s current status involves ongoing discussions about his future with the team, largely driven by salary cap considerations and shifting defensive priorities.

The core of the issue stems from Hendrickson's substantial contract. He signed a five-year, $60 million deal in 2021, which currently carries a hefty $19.3 million cap hit for the 2024 season. This figure represents a significant portion of Cincinnati’s available salary cap space and presents a considerable obstacle to re-signing key free agents and addressing other roster needs. The Bengals are currently estimated to have roughly $18.7 million in cap space, making Hendrickson's contract particularly problematic.

Dreesen’s reporting indicates that the Bengals have explored potential trade scenarios involving Hendrickson, but no deal has materialized as of yet. These explorations aren't necessarily a definitive signal of an impending trade; rather, they represent standard due diligence undertaken by teams facing similar cap constraints. The team is assessing its options and gauging interest from other clubs.

Hendrickson’s performance remains a crucial factor in the equation. Despite battling injuries throughout the 2023 season, he still managed to record 10.5 sacks, demonstrating his continued effectiveness as an edge rusher. His impact extends beyond sack totals; Hendrickson is consistently lauded for his disruptive presence and ability to draw double teams, which often opens opportunities for other defensive players. His versatility – capable of playing both defensive end positions – further enhances his value.

However, the Bengals’ defensive scheme under new coordinator Zac Taylor has evolved. The team's emphasis on speed and agility along the defensive line might necessitate a shift away from Hendrickson’s style of play, which relies more on power and leverage. While he remains valuable, his fit within this evolving system is being carefully evaluated. The Bengals have also invested in younger edge rushers like Sam Hubbard and Myles Murphy, potentially diminishing Hendrickson's role going forward.

According to Spotrac, a website tracking player contracts and salary cap data (https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/trey-hendrickson-137290/), restructuring Hendrickson’s contract is another potential avenue the Bengals could explore. This would involve adjusting his salary for 2024, potentially spreading out the remaining guaranteed money over subsequent years. However, such a move would likely require Hendrickson's willingness to accept a reduced salary and might not provide sufficient cap relief to fully address Cincinnati’s financial challenges.

The article also highlights that any trade involving Hendrickson would need to be structured in a way that benefits the Bengals financially. Simply releasing him would incur a significant dead-money charge against the team’s cap, making a trade the preferable option if a suitable offer can be found. A trade partner would likely be seeking a proven pass rusher, but would also have to consider Hendrickson's age (31) and injury history.

The Bengals are reportedly open to conversations with other teams, but are not actively pushing for a trade. They value Hendrickson’s contributions and would prefer to keep him on the roster if a mutually agreeable solution can be reached. The team is prioritizing finding a balance between maximizing its cap space and retaining key players who contribute significantly to their success.

The situation remains fluid, with several possible outcomes: Hendrickson could remain with the Bengals, potentially with a restructured contract; he could be traded to another team; or he could ultimately be released, although that scenario appears least likely given the financial implications. The next few weeks will be critical as the Bengals continue to navigate these complex salary cap challenges and determine the future of one of their most impactful defensive players.

[ https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/trey-hendrickson-137290/ ]