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Hendrickson trade talks continue

The Bengals are pursuing a trade for Trey Hendrickson as he seeks an extension and sits out camp

August 18, 2025 at 02:02 PM
blur Bengals engaged in trade talks for Trey Hendrickson amid contract impasse: Sources

Cincinnati is exploring a trade for Trey Hendrickson as he pursues a new deal and sits out portions of camp.

Bengals weigh Hendrickson trade amid contract standstill

The Bengals have engaged in trade discussions for Trey Hendrickson for weeks, seeking draft capital and a young defensive player in return for the star pass rusher. Hendrickson, 30, remains on the roster but has not participated in camp while he pushes for an extension; he has one year left on his 2023 contract worth 16 million dollars.

Cincinnati is reportedly asking for a package that includes a 2026 first-round pick and a young defender, a price tag teams have considered in inquiries. Some sources say the team could have yielded a better draft return had a deal been struck earlier in the spring. Cap pressures may complicate negotiations as camp wears on and teams balance payroll with on-field needs. Hendrickson led the league with 17.5 sacks last season, earned first-team All-Pro honors, and has made the Pro Bowl in each of his four seasons with the Bengals.

Key Takeaways

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Hendricks remains a top sack threat with a record-setting season to his name
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Cincinnati seeks draft capital and a young defender in return
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The asking price reportedly includes a 2026 first-round pick
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Cap constraints are a central hurdle in late camp negotiations
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Spring timing could have reduced potential trade value
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A potential Hendrickson trade would force a defensive rebuild
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The case reflects a trend toward valuing future assets over immediate fixes

"Things are exactly the same."

Hendricks's comment on extension progress

"This news is the latest chapter of the story that has dominated Cincinnati’s offseason."

Editorial framing from the article

"Hendrickson led the league with 17 1/2 sacks last season."

Performance highlight tied to trade talks

This situation highlights a broader NFL pattern: teams trade veterans to preserve cap flexibility while chasing younger assets. Cincinnati seems to be betting on long-term flexibility rather than a quick defensive upgrade, a move that signals a shift in how the franchise weighs present wins against future potential. The market for elite pass rushers remains strong, but the price is often a mix of cash in the building and future picks, which can affect the defense’s continuity in the short term.

If Hendrickson leaves, the Bengals will need to rebuild a core portion of their defense around new leaders and fresh talent. The decision also sends a message to players around the league about how teams value one-year deals and draft capital in a crowded market for edge rushers. Banks on a winning season may hinge as much on roster strategy as on sacks accumulated in the stat book.

Highlights

  • A sack king on the market tests the cap and the clock
  • Draft capital over loyalty defines Cincinnati’s path this season
  • The price tag tells a story about value in a crowded edges market
  • The clock is running on a deal that could reshape Cincinnati’s defense

Financial and sensitive contract negotiations risk

The push for a trade in late camp raises financial risks and highlights cap constraints. Disagreements over a large extension and the potential loss of a key defensive player could provoke backlash among fans and create uncertainty around roster planning.

The outcome will shape Cincinnati’s defense long after the current camp dust settles.

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