MusaNFL Insider: Bengals’ Demands for Trey Hendrickson Are Unrealistic.
The Cincinnati Bengals appear to be standing firm on their high asking price for star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, and according to one NFL insider, their demands are “ridiculous.”
With the offseason in full swing and teams looking to bolster their rosters ahead of the 2025 season, Hendrickson has been the subject of trade speculation. The 29-year-old defensive end has been one of the Bengals’ most productive defenders since signing with the team in 2021, racking up 39.5 sacks over the past three seasons. Given his consistent ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks, it’s no surprise Cincinnati values him highly.
However, according to multiple reports, rival teams believe the Bengals are overestimating Hendrickson’s trade value. An unnamed league insider told The Athletic that Cincinnati’s demands are making trade negotiations difficult.
“Their asking price is way too high for a player of Hendrickson’s age and contract situation,” the insider said. “They want a premium return, but teams aren’t willing to pay that much for a soon-to-be 30-year-old pass rusher.”
Hendrickson is currently under contract for one more season at a cap-friendly rate of $14.5 million. While that makes him an appealing short-term option for contenders, the price the Bengals are reportedly demanding—potentially a first-round pick or multiple high-value assets—has teams hesitant to pull the trigger.
Will the Bengals Lower Their Asking Price?
Cincinnati’s reluctance to budge on their trade demands could be tied to their desire to remain competitive in the AFC North. The team struggled with defensive consistency last season, and moving on from Hendrickson without a significant return could leave a major hole in their pass rush.
Still, with free agency and the draft approaching, teams in need of a pass rusher may revisit negotiations if the Bengals are willing to adjust their expectations. Until then, the market for Hendrickson remains at a standstill.
Musa
