With contract talks between the Cincinnati Bengals and star defensive end Trey Hendrickson at a standstill, the Bengals are reportedly listening to potential trades. Though NFL Network reported Sunday that Cincinnati is open to trade discussions, The Athletic has reported that the team has been listening to trade offers for weeks.
The asking price for Hendrickson is reportedly significant, as the Bengals seek defensive players as well as draft capital, per The Athletic. Dianna Russini of The Athletic also reported that Hendrickson may have netted a better return if Cincinnati had moved him earlier in the offseason, such as when the defensive end was given permission to seek a trade in March.
Tension between the Bengals and Hendrickson first emerged at the end of last season, as Hendrickson looked for a landing spot that would give him a better contract. Though the trade never materialized, Hendrickson said in May that he would not play on his current deal after expressing his frustrations that the Bengals had not been communicating with his team.
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When it came time for training camp, Hendrickson was initially a holdout, but eventually reported to camp despite not making progress on a new deal.
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Hendrickson told reporters in July that the situation had remained “exactly the same” in terms of contract talks, but that he decided to return to training camp so he wouldn’t be a distraction to his teammates.
“I want to help the guys, the guys that have helped me along the way. Demario Davis, Cam Jordan, even Sam Hubbard helped me a lot when I was here. To be that, right now, I think that’s what’s most important. This [contract] narrative will kinda iron itself out as we continue to progress towards the season,” he said at the time.
Hendrickson’s hold-in comes as defensive stars are getting significant money. In July, Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt signed a record three-year, $123 million extension; in March, the Las Vegas Raiders and Maxx Crosby agreed to a three-year, $106.5 million deal, while Myles Garrett signed an extension with the Cleveland Browns that gives him $40 million per year.
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Hendrickson, meanwhile, is set to earn just under $16 million next season under the current deal. The four-time Pro Bowler earned his first All-Pro selection last year, and is considered one of the best defensive players in the league — and certainly on the Bengals.
