Cincinnati Bengals Defensive End Trey Hendrickson was permitted to seek a trade by the franchise on Thursday. He is coming off the best season of his career as he led the league in sacks during the 2024-25 season. It was Hendrickson’s second consecutive season with 17.5 sacks. He was named First-Team All-Pro and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting following the regular season.
He is due $16 million in 2025. Hendrickson and the Bengals were unable to come to terms on a contract extension. That led to the team allowing him to seek a trade this spring. The star defensive end has had a great four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. He has been a crucial part of the team as they have been one of the AFC’s most formidable teams in recent years. Where will Hendrickson play next season?
Hendrickson’s Best Fits
The #Bengals have given Pro Bowl Edge Trey Hendrickson permission to seek a trade, per me and @TomPelissero. pic.twitter.com/mTyi4M5rjx
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 6, 2025
The star player will have a robust market this offseason. Cincinnati is smart to let him seek a trade as the franchise is in dire need of draft picks as they look to return to the NFL Playoffs. A few teams that should look into acquiring Hendrickson this offseason are the Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills, and Atlanta Falcons.
Final Thoughts
The Bengals will presumably be seeking a great package for the services of the league leader in sacks. It is also important to note that whatever team acquires him will have to sign the defensive end to a new contract soon after he comes to town. This move further illustrates Cincinnati’s all-in approach on offense while leaving one of the league’s worst defenses without its best player.
