Standout Bengals defender adds key wrinkle to trade request

Cincinnati Bengals pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Standout Bengals defender up ante with wrinkle in his trade request

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 4/24/24

Standout pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson has demanded a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals and has given a big warning to the organization if they refuse to grant his request.

Hendrickson is still hoping for a long-term contract offer from the Bengals, his agent, Harold Lewis, told Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer. If the Bengals do not offer him one, however, Hendrickson could even consider retirement.

Breaking: I just spoke with Trey Hendrickson's agent, Harold Lewis, about Hendrickson's trade request.

Hendrickson is hopeful the Bengals reconsider and give him a long-term deal. If not, he wishes to be traded. Trey is also considered retirement. More to come @Enquirer

— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) April 24, 2024

For what it’s worth, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reported that the Bengals have no intention of trading Hendrickson and view him as a vital part of the team.

I can confirm Trey Hendrickson has requested a trade, as @AdamSchefter reported.

I can also confirm the #Bengals have zero interest in dealing him and don’t intend to do so.

Just as with Tee Higgins, they are trying to win the Super Bowl this year, not deal stars.

— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) April 24, 2024

Hendrickson may be bluffing with the retirement threat, as he is only 29 and has given no real indication previously that retirement could be on the table. He has two years remaining on the four-year, $60 million contract he signed in 2021, so he does not have a lot of other leverage if he wants a new deal.

Hendrickson collected 17.5 sacks last season, so it is fair for him to say he has outperformed his current deal. If anything, he may have underestimated himself in that negotiation, leaving him in a tougher spot now. Still, the Bengals have some unhappy players on their hands and it may be a bit of a challenge for them to sort this out before next season.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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