Trey Hendrickson demands contract renegotiation amid trade talks

In the United States, the Cincinnati Bengals are currently in discussions regarding potential trade offers for their standout defensive end Trey Hendrickson. The team is reportedly open to trade opportunities as Hendrickson has been vocal about his desire for a contract revision. This ongoing contract dispute escalated earlier in the offseason when he indicated that he would not play unless compensated with a pay increase. Hendrickson, who emerged as a top performer last season leading the NFL with 17.5 sacks, is approaching the final year of his contract, which includes a base salary of $15.8 million in 2025. The situation has attracted interest from various teams, most notably the New England Patriots. At present, the Patriots have contacted the Bengals to express their interest in acquiring Hendrickson. However, there have been indications that the asking price set by the Bengals may be too high for New England to consider moving forward. Reports suggest that the Bengals are looking for a young defensive player in addition to a first-round pick in the 2026 draft in return, a demand that has raised flags around the league, concerning Hendrickson's age and contract demands. This contract stalemate has put Hendrickson in a challenging position as he also looks to solidify a lucrative long-term deal. Having achieved Pro Bowl recognition in all four of his seasons with the Bengals, and with 57 sacks on his record, he is deemed worthy of a significant raise. Comparatively, elite players such as T.J. Watt, Myles Garrett, and Maxx Crosby have secured contracts that place them in the upper tier of defensive player salaries, which Hendrickson sees as a benchmark for his market value. The Bengals, however, have not shown any inclination to meet his demands at this time. As discussions continue, many speculate that if both sides are unable to reach an agreement, it could lead to a trade or a prolonged standoff. Given that no deal is imminent with the Patriots or any other team, it remains likely that Hendrickson may need to reassess his approach in negotiating with the Bengals if he wishes to remain active in the upcoming season. Meanwhile, the Bengals are also assessing their options regarding how to handle their star player’s potential departure, highlighting a significant period of uncertainty for both parties.