Trey Hendrickson's contract dispute with the Bengals took another turn, as Cincinnati is now exploring potential trade packages for the star pass rusher.
According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Bengals are asking for a first-round pick and a young defensive player in return for Hendrickson. While that asking price might be high, it does represent that the Bengals view Hendrickson as a key member of the team despite the contract issues.
Additionally, any team that acquires Hendrickson will need to negotiate an extension with the defensive end, as the team would likely want more than just a year of Hendrickson's production. It will be tough for the Bengals and any trade partner ot find common ground on a trade package, considering Hendrickson will hit free agency in the Spring.
Therefore, here's a look at four trade packages that could meet the Bengals' criteria.
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Trey Hendrickson trade packages
Commanders
- Commanders receive: Trey Hendrickson, 2026 third-round pick
- Bengals receive: 2026 first-round pick, DT Johnny Newton
The Commanders could look to take advantage of Jayden Daniels' rookie contract by trading for Hendrickson, who would instantly be the best defender on the team. In exchange, they'd give up their first-rounder next year and Johnny Newton, a 22-year-old defense tackle whom the team drafted in the sixth round in 2024.
Lions
- Lions receive: Trey Hendrickson
- Bengals receive: 2026 first-round pick, OLB Derrick Barnes
Of all the teams vying for Hendrickson, the Lions have perhaps the most defensive talent, but likely don't want to trade much from their defense. A solid compromise is Barnes, who is currently in the first year of a three-year extension and has produced over 200 tackles in 51 games in the NFL.
MORE: Bears, Commanders among best fits for Trey Hendrickson
Colts
- Colts receive: Trey Hendrickson, 2026 fourth-round pick
- Bengals receive: 2026 first-round pick, DE Kwity Paye
The Colts are a logical trade partner since Lou Anarumo, the former Bengals defensive coordinator, landed in Indianapolis. For Hendrickson, the Colts could send their first-rounder to Cincinnati along with Kwity Paye, who is entering the final year of his deal. Indianapolis also has DE Laiatu Latu, a first-rounder from 2024, who had four sacks in his rookie season.
Panthers
- Panthers receive: Trey Hendrickson, 2026 fourth-round pick
- Bengals receive: 2026 first-round pick, OLB D.J. Wonnum, DT Bobby Brown
In 2024, the Panthers had one of the worst defenses in the NFL, and adding Hendrickson would be a big boost to their up-and-coming team. Carolina doesn't have the young talent that some other teams could offer Cincinnati, but Wonnum is a quality player who had four sacks in eight games and Brown is a solid player entering the first year of a three-year deal with Carolina.
MORE: Tracking the latest rumors around Cowboys' Micah Parsons
Trey Hendrickson contract
After signing with the Bengals on a four-year, $60 million deal in 2021, Hendrickson agreed to a one-year extension through 2025. That extension will play out this year, with Hendrickson set to make a $15.8 million base salary and an $18.7 million cap hit.
However, Hendrickson wants an extension, but the two sides have not been able to agree on the right number of guarantees, according to Albert Breet.
Not much movement on the Trey Hendrickson front. The @Bengals listened to trade offers—and would want defensive help, plus picks (the picks won't help them in 2025). Their offer to Hendrickson is massive in APY, but lacks the guarantees he wants. So the standoff continues.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) August 18, 2025