NFL Trade Rumors: Bengals Star Trey Hendrickson's Value Revealed amid Commanders Buzz

There are a number of high-profile pass-rushers available this offseason, which could impact how much the Cincinnati Bengals get back in return if they end up trading Trey Hendrickson.

The Bengals gave the veteran permission to seek a trade, and ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported during a Sunday appearance on SportsCenter that they "want a late first-round pick if they could get it, or maybe like a Day 2 package, a second-round pick and more."

He listed the Washington Commanders as "one of a half-dozen teams that have looked into Trey Hendrickson's market."

However, Fowler also pointed out the Commanders could be interested in free agents such as Josh Sweat, Khalil Mack or Chase Young, which underscores something of a predicament Cincinnati is facing.

Teams that need pass-rushers can turn to the free agency market that includes Sweat, Mack, Joey Bosa, Young, Haason Reddick, Demarcus Lawrence and a number of less-notable options and add to their defensive line without giving up valuable draft picks in a trade.

Hendrickson may be better than all of them after leading the NFL in sacks (17.5) last season, but potential suitors could decide the difference between him and the free agency options isn't enough to give up that draft capital the Bengals want.

That is especially true since they may have to give Hendrickson the same sizable contract the free agents would get anyway since he has one more season remaining on his deal.

There is no questioning the 30-year-old's talent after back-to-back seasons with 17.5 sacks, but Cincinnati may not get the desired first-round pick in a deal. It is also in the early stages of what could be a tumultuous offseason after tagging Tee Higgins and with star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase having just one season remaining on his contract.

But the next headline step could be trading Hendrickson away in the coming days as teams address their needs on the defensive line.