The Cincinnati Bengals have said the right things when it comes to Trey Hendrickson's future with the team this offseason.
But until something actually happens, outside noise will dominate the conversation.
Take, for instance, a new piece of reporting from Sportskeeda's Tony Pauline, which suggests the NFL's reigning sacks leaders could command more than $30 million per year annually and the Bengals could ultimately move on via trade:
"Sources tell me that if the Bengals can’t meet his asking price, there’s a very good chance the team will part ways with Hendrickson and trade him."
It's not necessarily new information, as Hendrickson himself has made this stance clear multiple times since the season ended, including during an interview this week.
Hendrickson requested a trade last offseason, though he eventually played despite dissatisfaction with his pay rate. The Bengals have been open about his deserving a raise, though whether the two parties can agree on what that looks like remains to be seen.
As of now, Hendrickson is currently slated to have a base salary of $15.8 million in 2025, though his possible extension is one of many the Bengals must juggle to appease Joe Burrow this offseason alongside Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
