NFL Rumors: Bengals' Demands, Trey Hendrickson Contract Are 'Hold-Ups in Any' Trade

The Cincinnati Bengals remain obstinate when it comes to trading away defensive end Trey Hendrickson, according to The Athletic's Ben Standig.

Standig reported Cincy is seeking to recoup at least a first-round pick for the 2024 All-Pro, and the team simply may have a "lack of interest" in a swap. Both of those factors "are the hold-ups in any deal."

Per Standig, the Washington Commanders pondered the idea of acquiring Hendrickson earlier in the offseason. However, their mindset may have changed after they gave up four draft picks to land offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil.

In terms of the Bengals' approach to the situation, Standig isn't the first NFL insider to report prospective suitors have bristled at the asking price.

Hendrickson totaled 35 sacks over the past two seasons. He's one of the NFL's elite at his position. The four-time Pro Bowler is also only one year out from free agency, and an extension will require paying him significantly more than his current $21 million salary.

For as good as he is, a first-round pick is a lot to give up for Hendrickson given his contract status.

This might all be intentional by the Bengals, who didn't acquiesce when their star pass-rusher requested a trade last offseason.

The same thing happened with wide receiver Tee Higgins, though he ultimately got a reported $115 million extension this week to remove any doubt about his long-term future. Higgins wasn't traded and suited up this past year on the franchise tag.

Higgins' new contract and the record-setting $161 million payout to fellow wideout Ja'Marr Chase seemingly lower the odds Hendrickson will get a massive raise of his own. The salary cap starts to become a serious concern.

But it appears Cincinnati is happy to let him play out the 2025 season and go from there.