Bengals eyeing Hendrickson trade talks

The Bengals are reportedly listening to trade offers for defensive end Trey Hendrickson.

Bengals remain the betting favorites to keep Trey Hendrickson

Cincinnati is reportedly listening to trade offers for defensive end Trey Hendrickson, a key edge rusher who has anchored the Bengals’ defense. DraftKings lists Cincinnati as the -450 favorite to be the team he plays for next season, with the Panthers and Lions among the early movers and several other teams in the mix. Any deal would hinge on Hendrickson agreeing to new terms and on a package that meets Cincinnati’s price.

Analysts say the most plausible landing spots are contenders with cap room and the urge to push for a title. A deal would ripple through Cincinnati’s salary cap and could influence the team’s long term plan, especially if it is to re sign other defensive players. The big question remains whether the Bengals would trade him to an AFC rival or prefer an NFC partner that might offer a larger window of opportunity. The exact terms depend on price, term, and fit.

This move tests the Bengals' willingness to bet now versus build for the future. They are not acting on impulse; they are weighing how a single trade could shift the balance of power in the league and within their own locker room.

If Hendrickson leaves, Cincinnati would face questions about their pass rush depth and cap strategy. If he stays, the team signals confidence in its 2025 outlook and preserves a defense that has carried the roster through tough seasons.

Highlights

The coming weeks will reveal how Cincinnati balances ambition with cap reality.