Bengals' Reported Asking Price for Trey Hendrickson is Way Too High

The situation between Trey Hendrickson and the Cincinnati Bengals had a pretty big development over the weekend.

Months after Hendrickson first requested a trade because of his contract situation, it was reported that the Bengals are finally listening to offers.

In the past, the Bengals have publicly stated that they weren't interested in trading the star edge rusher despite also seemingly not being interested in paying him what he's worth.

Now it seems they've changed their tune, but their asking price doesn't make it seem like they're actually all that serious about trading last season's runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year.

According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, teams that have inquired Hendrickson have been told Cincinnati's asking price is a young defensive player and a first-round pick in next year's draft.

Teams that have recently inquired about Bengals star Trey Hendrickson were told Cincinnati’s asking price included a young defensive player and a 2026 first-round pick, according to league sources.

The player heading back does not have to be a pass rusher. pic.twitter.com/0BqesqeZRp

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) August 18, 2025

That's just way too much for Hendrickson.

There's no question that he is an elite talent after posting 17.5 sacks over each of the past two seasons.

The problem is that he'll be 31 years old before the 2025 season is over.

Teams simply aren't going to come close to offering that for a guy whose next extension could be the last deal he signs in the NFL.

When the Raiders traded Khalil Mack they basically sent Mack and a second rounder for two firsts and third. Mack was significantly younger and this price from the Bengals isn't far off from the return the Raiders got.

This situation has been a mess for the Bengals and they really only have two options to finally move on from it.

They either have to lower their asking price to something more reasonable, like a second and a third, or they have to pay Hendrickson what he's earned over the last couple of years.

Otherwise this is going to be a problem that drags into the regular season for a defense that really can't afford to get any worse.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.