Trey Hendrickson Wants Out: Why the Bengals Are Playing Hardball

Cincinnati Bengals star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson has dropped a bombshell, requesting a trade as he seeks a new contract. However, if history is any indicator, the Bengals are highly unlikely to grant his wish, maintaining a steadfast 'business as usual' approach to such demands.

NFL insider Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk recently shed light on the situation, suggesting that the Bengals' reaction to Hendrickson's trade request will be consistent with their previous handling of similar situations.

"They're not trading him," Florio stated unequivocally, pointing to the Bengals' established pattern of holding onto their key players, even when faced with contract disputes or trade demands.

This isn't the first time the Bengals have faced a high-profile contract standoff. Remember Jessie Bates III? He played out the 2022 season on the franchise tag after a long negotiation, eventually signing with the Falcons in free agency.

While that's not the exact scenario, it illustrates the Bengals' resolve. They don't typically buckle under pressure to move players who are central to their competitive window.

The recent trade of Joe Mixon further solidifies this stance. While Mixon was a significant part of the offense, his departure was more about cap relief and a strategic roster move rather than appeasing a trade request from a player with leverage.

The Bengals acquired Zack Moss and drafted Chase Brown, effectively moving on without feeling forced into the decision.

Trey Hendrickson is currently under contract for two more seasons, with approximately $30 million remaining on his deal. He is an absolutely critical piece of the Bengals' defense, consistently ranking among the league's elite pass rushers.

Losing him would create a massive void that would be incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to fill through trade or the draft at this stage.

The Bengals, with Joe Burrow leading the charge, are firmly in their Super Bowl contention window. Trading away a Pro Bowl-caliber player like Hendrickson would severely undermine their defensive capabilities and their chances of competing for a championship.

General Manager Duke Tobin and Head Coach Zac Taylor have built this team on a foundation of retaining core talent and are unlikely to deviate from that strategy for a player with two years left on his deal.

While Hendrickson's desire for a new, more lucrative contract is understandable, the Bengals' track record suggests they will play this out.

They might offer a modest adjustment or simply expect him to honor his existing deal. The message from Cincinnati is clear: Trey Hendrickson is a Bengal, and he's expected to remain one, regardless of his trade request.