Trey Hendrickson Trade Reportedly Rejected by Bengals That Had 2nd-Round Draft Pick

The Cincinnati Bengals reportedly turned down a trade offer for star defensive end Trey Hendrickson that was headlined by a Day 2 draft pick.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that the Bengals rejected a trade for Hendrickson with a second-round draft choice heading to the team among other assets (h/t Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer).

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Cincinnati's asking price for the pass-rusher includes a "young defensive player" and a 2026 first-round pick.

On Sunday, Pelissero and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the Bengals were "listening" to offers for Hendrickson after contract discussions stalled.

The Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts are teams that have shown interest in Hendrickson on the trade market, per NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

Of note, Indianapolis hired former Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo earlier this year.

The 30-year-old has a base salary of $15.8 million for the 2025 season before he's set to enter free agency in 2026 and has been holding in during training camp while attempting to land a contract extension.

Hendrickson's age has likely factored into Cincinnati's reluctance to hand him a long-term deal, with Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reporting that the four-time Pro Bowler has a contract offer with a "massive" average annual value on the table but "lacks the guarantees he wants."

The veteran has blossomed into a star on the Bengals' defensive front since joining the team in 2021, amassing 57 sacks in 65 games with the franchise. Hendrickson wrapped up a 2024 campaign in which he led the NFL with 17.5 sacks while registering 54 pressures, 36 quarterback hits and six passes defensed.

The Bengals' willingness to part ways with Hendrickson is uncertain even though they're listening to offers, with Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reporting that it's "highly unlikely" an opposing front office can meet the team's "significant" asking price while also paying the defensive end.

Despite the lack of an extension agreement, it'll seemingly take more than a second-round pick to get Cincinnati to move Hendrickson.