The Cincinnati Bengals have faced some turmoil this offseason regarding defensive end Trey Hendrickson. He is one of the top pass rushers in football and wants to be paid like it. He is entering the final year of his contract and is set to make $15.8 million in 2025. We are unlikely to see Hendrickson until he has a new contract in place. There is even a chance that Hendrickson’s next game will not be with the Bengals.
A mock trade was floated around via Athlon Sports, which has Hendrickson being traded to the Buffalo Bills. In this potential deal, the Bengals would receive a 2026 second-round pick for the All-Pro pass rusher. This deal would allow the Bengals to get something for Hendrickson, especially if they do not plan to pay him. Additionally, the asking price would likely be low due to Buffalo needing to offer him a long-term extension immediately.
Hendrickson is what the Bills have been missing for years. They need a dominant pass rusher who can get after the quarterback when the game is on the line. With Josh Allen at quarterback, the Bills are going to have a chance to win every game. If their defense can hold up its end of the bargain, the Bills would be Super Bowl contenders in 2025.
From the Bengals’ perspective, the fans in Cincinnati would not be happy with this deal. Hendrickson is their best defensive player, and giving him up for a second-round pick is nowhere near enough. The Bengals would be wise to pay Hendrickson whatever he is asking for. Elite pass rushers are tough to come by, and trading them is rarely smart. If the Bengals are serious about contending for a Super Bowl, we will see them re-sign Hendrickson and not trade him to a conference rival.
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