The Cincinnati Bengals’ star pass rusher was given permission to seek a trade, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. It’s the latest in a long line of disgruntled stars wearing tiger stripes.
After franchise tagging Tee Higgins for a second consecutive year earlier this week, the Bengals are now left to deal with the fallout from Hendrickson’s decision. The two sides have been unable to come to terms on an extension, leaving his future up in the air.
Joe Burrow has made his stance clear to the Bengals this offseason, saying he wants to keep the team together.
Cincinnati’s history would suggest otherwise, especially given the costly extensions their stars would receive. While Burrow secured his big-money deal last year, Higgins and Hendrickson are awaiting their slice of the pie in addition to Ja’Marr Chase, who is fast approaching a new contract of his own.
Someone was likely going to be the odd man out and it seems like Hendrickson might be that guy. While most teams across the league would want to acquire a player of Hendrickson’s caliber, here’s a look at some of the spots he could end up if Cincinnati opts to trade him.
Trey Hendrickson landing spots
Chicago Bears
The Bears are in the midst of a remodel this offseason, and so far, everything is going according to plan. They hired arguably the top available coaching candidate, Ben Johnson, and swung a pair of trades for offensive lineman. Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson should provide a nice boost up front to protect Caleb Williams in his sophomore season. Now Chicago can get to work on the other side of the ball.
Armed with cap space and a coaching staff that believes in building through the trenches, Hendrickson sets up as a perfect player to slot in on that defense. One year after acquiring Montez Sweat to help bolster their defensive front, the Bears could secure Cincinnati’s star to make the whole thing go.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders were one win away from an unlikely Super Bowl appearance, falling to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC championship game. They learned that the rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels was anything but in his first season. While last year was a surprise, no one is going to overlook Washington in 2025.
Expect the Commanders to load up this offseason and with money to spend, this makes plenty of sense.
Philadelphia Eagles
From one NFC East team to another, the Super Bowl champions are a team that can never be discounted when star players become available. Howie Roseman is always in this conversation. With Philadelphia potentially losing Josh Sweat and Milton Williams to free agency, acquiring Hendrickson on a team-friendly deal for 2025 can’t be ruled out.
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals have no shortage of cap space, a defensive-minded head coach and a team seemingly stuck in the middle. Somewhat of a forgotten NFL franchise, acquiring Hendrickson would not only be a major boost to a defense in desperate need of some pass-rushers but could ultimately raise the ceiling of a franchise looking for a return to postseason contention.
They have just one winning season in the last nine years, meaning Jonathan Gannon might want to take a page out of his former employer’s book in Philadelphia and go after some stars.
Los Angeles Chargers
Fresh off releasing Joey Bosa, the Chargers have a mountain of cap space to work with. Entering Jim Harbaugh’s second season, Los Angeles can start building on their success from last year. There’s also no guarantee that Khalil Mack returns, opening the door for a pass-rusher to come waltzing through the door.
Acquiring Hendrickson would go a long way in rebuilding the Chargers’ defense, especially as they try to keep up in what is a very competitive AFC West.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Perhaps a surprise on the list, but the Jaguars are looking to build a solid foundation for their new head coach, Liam Coen. Jacksonville also recently hired James Gladstone to be their general manager, who comes from the Los Angeles Rams organization. Les Snead famously built the Rams’ Super Bowl-winning team by acquiring stars, which went on to beat Hendrickson’s Bengals.
Hendrickson is a Florida native, even attending college in the Sunshine State. With plenty of cap space to work with and a clear motivation to finally start winning, Jacksonville can’t be ruled out.
(This story has been updated.)