Trey Hendrickson Reportedly to Be 'Big-Time Trade Target,' Bengals' Price Revealed

Cincinnati Bengals edge-rusher Trey Hendrickson is expected to be a "big-time trade target" this season, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network on Thursday evening.

"As far as on the trade front, this is very unlike the Cincinnati Bengals, if they continue to lose, to have some sort of a fire sale. That said, teams are gonna call. I would expect Hendrickson to be a big-time trade target.

"As far as what it might take, what I am told is a young player who would help the Bengals this year and into the future and a future mid-round pick, if the Bengals are even willing to do it."

The 30-year-old Hendrickson is a four-time Pro Bowler who has amassed 17.5 sacks in each of his last two seasons. That sack mark led the NFL in 2024. This season, Hendrickson has eight quarterback hits and four sacks in six games.

Hendrickson had a long contract dispute with the Bengals this offseason, to the point where he even demanded a trade. Eventually, Hendrickson and the Bengals agreed to a re-worked deal that led to a $14 million raise to $30 million this season. He will be an unrestricted free agent after this year.

So there's certainly a chance that Hendrickson leaves after this season for another team and a lucrative contract.

That puts the Bengals in a tough spot. After starting the season 2-0, the Bengals dropped four straight games. Their long-term prospects this year are questionable with quarterback Joe Burrow reportedly out until at least December with a Grade 3 turf toe injury.

Cincinnati did trade for 40-year-old veteran Joe Flacco, and he did fare well in his debut, completing 29-of-45 passes for 219 yards and a pair of touchdowns in a 27-18 loss to the Green Bay Packers.

However, the loss of a superstar in Burrow, coupled with a defense that entered the year allowing the third-most points per game in football, leaves the Bengals in a bind.

So, in theory, the Bengals could trade Hendrickson, get a player and draft capital in return and just look to 2026 and beyond. For now, Cincinnati is fighting just to get back to .500 in hopes of saving its season before its too late. If the losing continues, the date to watch is Nov. 4.