On Wednesday, per a team source, Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson requested a trade, his agent, Harold Lewis, also confirmed to ESPN.
Per the source, the team has no intention of trading the three-time Pro Bowler, as they are looking to win the Super Bowl in 2024 and not deal with stars. Bengal told Hendrickson they don’t intend to trade him or do anything new with his contract this year.
Bengals three-time Pro-Bowl DE Trey Hendrickson has requested to be traded from Cincinnati, per league source. Hendrickson is due to make $15 million this season, and is looking for more long-term security than Cincinnati has been willing to offer. pic.twitter.com/PDNKTEiKII
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 24, 2024
Agent Lewis shared with ESPN on the eve of the NFL draft, that Hendrickson’s request is about a long-term investment from the Bengals after they settled on a one-year extension last year, March.
“Our number one goal is to get a long-term commitment from them, If we can’t, then we’re asking for a trade. And hopefully, if he gets traded, that’s what we do get a long-term commitment with somewhere else.”
According to the Roster Management System, last year, Hendrickson received a one-year contract extension worth $21 million, which included an $8 million signing bonus.
In the midst of extension and trade demand, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the franchise is not interested in trading Hendrickson. In the 2-hour meeting back in March, the Bengals indicated they had no interest in trading their best player.
Hendrickson is scheduled to make $14.8 million in 2024 and is under contract through the 2025 campaign. He signed a one-year extension last summer and is scheduled to make $15.8 million in 2025.
Last season, Hendrickson finished the season with 17.5 sacks, which was second in the NFL behind the Pittsburgh Steelers’ T.J. Watt.
Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo had shared,
“He has his own way about going his business, and he is about being the best player he can be and making sure we’re the best team we can be.”
