The contract extension standoff between Trey Hendrickson and the Cincinnati Bengals has taken a new turn, with the team reportedly entertaining trade offers for the defensive end, according to Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
NFL Insider Jordan Schultz added that the Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers, and Indianapolis Colts have already expressed early interest in a deal for Hendrickson.
It's unclear whether the Bengals are using this as a negotiating tactic or if they're serious about moving Hendrickson before the 2025 NFL season. Nonetheless, one team is warned against moving for the pass rusher who recorded back-to-back 17.5 sacks.
Should the Bears be in on Trey Hendrickson?
If the Bengals are open to trading Hendrickson, any team that's lacking or want to improve their pass rush should be in on the 30-year-old. However, Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer believes the Bears shouldn't be one of those teams, especially if they have to give up a player like Jaylon Johnson and a draft pick.
"The age thing, that's tough," Breer said on ESPN Chicago's "Kap & J. Hood." "And so you'd be giving up that plus. Now, all of a sudden, you got a contract at what? 37, 38, 39 million [dollars]? Right? What does Montez Sweat think about that? You know what I mean? Are you creating another problem there?
"... I love Trey Hendrickson as a player, but I just think because of the age, the factor of age there and what Hendrickson's got left in the tank versus what Johnson's got left in the tank, moving a piece of capital… I mean, hey, if it's a third-round pick, that's still a pick that guy could be on your team in 2028, 2029. Hendrickson's still going to be around that. I think there's just too many questions."
What Breer says is understandable, as the Bears don't know if they are in win-now mode to take advantage of Caleb Williams being on his rookie contract, where they can load up on other areas of the roster.
It will be interesting to see what the Bengals do with Hendrickson, but if Breer is accurate with his prediction, it won't be a trade that sends him to Chicago.