GLENDALE –The Cincinnati Bengals spent big this offseason, retaining its star wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase. The duo’s contract combines to make $250+ million, securing Joe Burrow his weapon for the long term. However, the money invested in the offense has created questions on the status of All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who’s in the last year of his deal. If the franchise can’t figure out a contract with Hendrickson, it would have to trade him, which could be to the Arizona Cardinals, according to PHNX.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Cardinals are one of the many teams interested in the four-time Pro-Bowler, and with over $40+ million left in effective cap space, Arizona could afford to pay Hendrickson. NFL insider Ian Rapoport believes Hendrickson could warrant a contract above $30 million per year. Even with the hefty price to pay, the Bengals are hesitant to trade the defensive end.
Oct 8, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) forces a fumble on Arizona Cardinals quarterback Joshua Dobbs (9) in the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
NFL Insider Ian Rapoport on Hendrickson’s contract:
“I know the Bengals are working on it. And I know they would like to keep him in the building. They would like to pay him. And I think they would like people to stop saying, ‘why don’t the Bengals pay their guys?’ Because they do. And I think getting Hendrickson done at a money and a value that makes sense for both sides will be a great way for the Bengals to be like: ‘see.'”
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91), left, and Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard (94) celebrate a sack in the second quarter during a Week 16 NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. Syndication: The Enquirer
NFL Insider Mike Garafolo told PHNX that a trade involving Hendrickson would cost the Cardinals a minimum Day 2 NFL draft pick. The cost is relatively low for Hendrickson, who’s recorded 35 sacks in the past two seasons and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year in 2024.
Josh Sweat speaks to members of the media at the Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe on March 13, 2025.
Arizona already signed a talented edge rusher in Josh Sweat this offseason. Trading for Hendrickson could bulk up the pass rush even more if the Cardinals could figure out a trade and extension with the defensive end.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
