The Bengals are going nowhere of their commerce discussions centered round 2025 NFL sack chief Trey Hendrickson.
On Thursday, The Athletic NFL insider Dianna Russini shared that whereas groups have expressed that they are ready to supply Hendrickson the profitable contract extension he seeks, Cincinnati’s compensation request in commerce proposals has been described as “ridiculous.”
Since January 2024, the closest comparability for a commerce involving an edge-rusher was final March’s transaction that despatched former Panthers exterior linebacker Brian Burns to the Giants.
New York gave Carolina three draft picks in that deal, together with a 2024 second, a 2024 fifth and a conditional 2025 fifth. After buying Burns, the Giants signed the six-year veteran to a five-year, $150 million contract ($87.5 million assured).
Hendrickson has produced bigger sack numbers in current seasons, together with an NFL-high 17.5 in 2024. His 35 sacks for the reason that begin of the 2023 season rank first amongst all defenders. (h/t Stathead)
However Hendrickson, 30, is 5 years older than Burns when he was traded to the Giants. If the Bengals anticipate a workforce to relinquish a first-round decide in a commerce for Hendrickson, they may be sorely disenchanted.
Cincinnati’s hardline strategy to a Hendrickson commerce additionally reveals the absurdity of pursuing a deal within the first place. The Bengals clearly perceive Hendrickson’s price, or they would not ask potential commerce companions for one thing “ridiculous” in return.
The Bengals will not be any higher in the event that they commerce Hendrickson, particularly if probably the most they’ll get for him is a Day 2 decide and alter.
It is sensible that Cincinnati would attempt to extract as a lot worth out of a Hendrickson deal as potential. However with the star pass-rusher on an expiring contract, the Bengals have minimal leverage in commerce negotiations. If they do not function in good religion, they’re going to danger permitting him to depart subsequent 12 months with out receiving greater than a compensatory decide.
Cincinnati has time to play the market and see if provides enhance, however it may well’t maintain Hendrickson eternally if it is not excited about resigning him. If appropriate offers have not offered themselves but, it is troublesome to think about them bettering the deeper we get into the offseason.
