Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson Trade Rumors: Browns and Other Teams Interested

The Cincinnati Bengals are dealing with a tricky situation involving their star defensive end, Trey Hendrickson. Contract extension talks have stalled, and now several teams are circling, hoping to land the standout pass rusher.

The Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, and Carolina Panthers have all shown interest. There’s a lot of chatter about what a trade could mean for the Bengals and these teams, but it’s still anyone’s guess how things will shake out.

Contract Negotiations Stalled

Hendrickson’s contract talks with the Bengals have hit a rough patch. Some progress came earlier in the summer, but things fizzled out as the 2025 preseason approached.

He’s on track to earn $16 million in cash this season, but he feels he’s worth more. The Bengals offered him a base salary of $15.8 million, yet Hendrickson isn’t shy about his frustration, pointing to his status as one of the league’s best defensive ends.

Hendrickson’s Value and Performance

Trey Hendrickson has been a force on the Bengals’ defense. He’s led the NFL in sacks and racked up 35 sacks over two seasons.

His on-field production makes it hard to argue against his push for a bigger paycheck. He’s looking for a salary that matches what other top-tier defensive ends are getting.

Potential Trade Scenarios

With negotiations breaking down, the Bengals might actually put Hendrickson on the trading block. NFL insider Jordan Schultz says the Bengals want either a player of similar impact or a mix of draft picks in return.

That sets the stage for some interesting trade possibilities. Any deal could shift the defensive outlook for whichever team lands him.

Teams Interested in Trey Hendrickson

The Cleveland Browns look like a serious contender to land Hendrickson. They’re valued at $6.14 billion, so they have the resources to make a strong offer.

He’d slot in well alongside their current lineup of quarterbacks—Shedeur Sanders, Joe Flacco, and Dillon Gabriel—even if that group feels a bit crowded.

Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers

The Colts and Panthers aren’t sitting on the sidelines, either. Both teams want to beef up their defensive lines and see Hendrickson as a game-changer.

Adding him could really elevate their defenses, especially if they’re serious about contending this season.

Impact on the Bengals

If the Bengals lose Hendrickson, they’ll have a serious hole to fill on defense. His knack for pressuring quarterbacks and blowing up plays has anchored their defensive scheme.

Finding someone who can step into his shoes won’t be easy, and the Bengals might have to get creative if they end up trading him.

Conclusion

The contract talks between Trey Hendrickson and the Cincinnati Bengals have hit a tricky spot. Several teams—like the Browns, Colts, and Panthers—are circling, clearly interested in the Bengals’ star defensive end.

With all this buzz, a trade could be on the horizon. It’s honestly hard to say how the Bengals will handle things, or what kind of ripple effect a deal might have for everyone involved.

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