Trey Hendrickson Trade Reportedly Not Planned by Bengals, Cowboys, 49ers Interested

Despite their 3-5 start to the season, the Cincinnati Bengals reportedly aren't looking to trade star pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers have expressed interest in Hendrickson, but the Bengals have "no plans" to trade him.

Hendrickson is set to become a free agent at the end of the season after reworking his one-year, $29 million deal with the Bengals for 2025 back in August.

The 30-year-old Hendrickson entered this season having posted 17.5 sacks in back-to-back campaigns. Last season, he led the NFL in sacks, earned his first career First Team All-Pro selection and finished second in NFL Defensive Player of the Year voting.

Despite that, Hendrickson and the Bengals were unable to agree to a long-term contract extension for a second consecutive offseason, which suggests there is a good chance he signs elsewhere after this season unless Cincinnati places the franchise tag on him.

Hendrickson is off to a slow start this season compared to the previous couple of years, as he has recorded only four sacks, 16 tackles and three tackles for loss through seven games.

In Week 7, Hendrickson did not play against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to a hip injury, and he aggravated the ailment this past Sunday against the New York Jets, forcing him to leave the game early.

The 2025 season has been a tough one thus far for the Bengals, especially due to star quarterback Joe Burrow landing on injured reserve with a toe injury, but Week 8 undoubtedly represented their low point.

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Despite leading by as many as 15 points, the Bengals fell 39-38 to the previously winless Jets, representing a significant hit to Cincinnati's playoff hopes despite the possibility of Burrow being able to return late in the season.

Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears could conceivably have a sizable impact on whether the Bengals decide to buy, sell or stand pat since the trade deadline is two days later on Nov. 4.

Trading Hendrickson would perhaps net the Bengals some high-end draft capital, especially from a team like the Cowboys, who are 31st in the league in total defense and scoring defense.

Last week, Fowler reported that the Cowboys were "on the hunt for an impact defensive player and have reached out to teams throughout the league."

Hendrickson would undoubtedly fit the bill despite some questions surrounding his health currently, but it doesn't sound like the Bengals are looking to move him, perhaps even in the event of a loss to Chicago this weekend.