Hendrickson trade talks gain market traction

A rising market for top edge rushers pushes Cincinnati to consider offers for Trey Hendrickson.

Bengals weigh Hendrickson trade as edge rush market heats up

Trey Hendrickson has permission to seek a trade in the past, and reports now indicate Cincinnati is listening to offers. The recent moves by Crosby, Garrett and Watt have raised the bar for new money, making a Hendrickson deal more expensive for teams and potentially more valuable for a seller. The Bengals have reportedly resisted guaranteeing more than the first year, a factor that could hinder a quick agreement with a willing buyer.

This case shows how market forces now shape player movement in the league. The rise in contract values for premier edge rushers means teams must weigh short term savings against longer term impact on the cap. Cincinnati faces a choice between keeping a key defender on a possibly costly path or allowing a deal that could free cap space and alter the defensive outlook.

Highlights

The next moves will test how far teams are willing to push the market for top pass rushers.