Seeing as the Bengals are seemingly unwilling to re-work the contract, Trey Hendrickson has requested a trade to a team that will give him the financial security he desires. The 29-year-old is still with the Bengals, and franchise quarterback Joe Burrow recently spoke on the status of the two disgruntled Bengals.
“Those guys have their business they need to take care of. I support them in every way,” Burrow said, via Geoff Hobson of the team’s website. “Both those guys have earned everything that has come to them and more. I’ll support them all the way through it. Whatever they feel like is best for their career. That’s for them and their agents and their families to decide.
“But we are here to win football games. I really hope both those guys are here next year because we are a better football team with both of them. They are both great locker room guys, too. They are going to do what they’ve got to do, but when the time comes for them to come back, if that time comes, we are going to welcome them back and hit our stride.”
Joe Burrow Weighs In On Tee Higgins, Trey Hendrickson Trade Talks
Burrow answered this question in the best way possible. While the Bengals quarterback wants to keep his star players in town, he acknowledges that the NFL is a business and these two should secure their best future. While Higgins has publicly stated he’ll probably be a Bengal this year, Trey Hendrickson is still looking for a trade.
Even though he’s entering his age-30 season, teams should be interested in a Trey Hendrickson trade. The pass rusher has only improved with age, recording double-digit sacks in three of the past four seasons while making three straight trips to the Pro Bowl. If the Bengals can’t come to terms on a long-term deal, then these five teams should be more than willing to give him the contract he deserves.
Potential Destinations
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars had the fewest sacks in the league last year despite the presence of Josh Allen. While Arik Armstead and Maason Smith will get pressure from the inside, this team could still use another edge defender. If the team isn’t sold on former first-overall pick Travon Walker, then Trey Hendrickson is the perfect trade target. Pairing him with Allen and the two defensive tackles will give Jacksonville one of the best front fours in football.
Baltimore Ravens
Would the Bengals ever trade Trey Hendrickson to a division rival? Probably not, but stranger things have happened. After losing Jadeveon Clowney in free agency, Baltimore must find an adequate pass rushing partner for Justin Madubuike. While Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh are fine starters, Hendrickson can put up elite sack numbers and could be the missing piece needed to get this team to the Super Bowl.
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals have quietly put together a reasonably strong roster. While they probably won’t win it all in 2024, they could easily push for a playoff spot. Before they do that, however, they should address their pass rush. Arizona could use an experienced pass rusher, and Trey Hendrickson is probably the best one on the trade market. Jonathan Gannon got the most he could out of unremarkable talent last year, so let’s see what he can do with a star player like Hendrickson.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints probably regret letting Trey Hendrickson walk in free agency following the 2020 season. Now, they have a chance to rectify that wrong with a trade. New Orleans might need to get creative with the salary cap, but Hendrickson would provide some much-needed stability to this group of high-risk, high-reward pass rushers. Chase Young is returning from an injury and Isaiah Foskey showed next to nothing as a rookie. Perhaps both players bounce back in 2024, but the former third-round pick would ensure there is at least one reliable player opposite Cameron Jordan.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers are looking for additional veteran support on the defensive side of the ball. With contract talks stalling between the team and Stephon Gilmore, Carolina could pivot and add more firepower to the defensive line. With Brian Burns gone, Carolina should trade for a player like Trey Hendrickson with double-digit sack potential. Pairing him with Clowney and D.J. Wonnum should give the Panthers the ability to win games on defense, which will probably be necessary in 2024.
