Remember when Trey Hendrickson could’ve walked last year? Yeah, Joe Burrow basically played the role of team ambassador, giving his guy a public vote of confidence. And it worked. “It means a lot whenever somebody that talented has your back.” Hendrickson stuck around, did what he does best—terrorized QBs—and led the league in sacks.
But fast-forward to today, and Cincinnati’s pass-rushing machine is officially on the trade block. What changed? More importantly, why? And oh, the juiciest part—who’s replacing him? Let’s take this step by step. Back in May 2024, when contract drama was brewing, Burrow had Hendrickson’s back. “Both those guys [Higgins and Trey] have earned everything that has come to them and more. I’ll support them all the way through it,” Burrow said.
Safe to say, that endorsement mattered. Hendrickson re-upped, and then he went ballistic on the field.
His 2024 numbers? Ridiculous. 46 total tackles, 17.5 sacks, and a Pro Bowl nod to top it off. The dude was a force. But despite all that, the Bengals are now moving on. Why? Well, that’s the brutal business side of the NFL.
NFL, American Football Herren, USA 2025: Steelers vs Bengals JAN 04 January 04, 2025: Joe Burrow 9 during the Steelers vs Bengals in Pittsburgh, PA. Jason Pohuski/CSM/Sipa USACredit Image: Jason Pohuski/Cal Media/Sipa USA Pittsburgh Pa USA NOxUSExINxGERMANY PUBLICATIONxINxALGxARGxAUTxBRNxBRAxCANxCHIxCHNxCOLxECUxEGYxGRExINDxIRIxIRQxISRxJORxKUWxLIBxLBAxMLTxMEXxMARxOMAxPERxQATxKSAxSUIxSYRxTUNxTURxUAExUKxVENxYEMxONLY Copyright: xCalxSportxMediax Editorial use only
The thing is, the front office didn’t suddenly forget that Hendrickson is one of the best pass rushers in football. But with one year left on his deal at $16 million and contract talks heading nowhere, Cincinnati is taking the ‘better to trade early than too late’ approach.
The result? Hendrickson is getting shopped around like a high-end free agent, and the Bengals are shifting their focus elsewhere—specifically, to protecting JB on the gridiron.
Word on the street? The Bengals have their sights set on Ravens lineman Patrick Mekari. Not exactly a one-for-one swap—Hendrickson was a defensive juggernaut, while Mekari is a versatile O-lineman. But in Cincy’s logic, it makes sense: Burrow needs protection, and Mekari is one of the best at doing just that.
In 2024, he had a 97.1 pass block efficiency, allowed just 27 pressures, and finished with a solid 70.3 pass block grade. The Bengals, desperate to improve their O-line, are clearly prioritizing keeping Burrow upright over keeping their sack machine.
Losing Hendrickson stings—no way around it. You don’t just replace a guy who puts up back-to-back 17.5 sack seasons. But the Bengals are making a bet. And when a bet’s involved, there are no sure shot exit routes.
No doubt, Trey Hendrickson will attract a lot of interest
Well, here we are. The Bengals’ defense took a beating last season, and instead of reinforcing it, the front office is out here shopping its best pass rusher. Trey Hendrickson, the guy who just led the league in sacks, now has permission to seek a trade. Bold strategy, right? Especially when Cincinnati’s already dealing with Sam Hubbard’s sudden retirement.
According to Adam Schefter, the Bengals locked in defensive tackle B.J. Hill on a fresh deal, but negotiations with Hendrickson? Completely stalled. And if you ask Albert Breer, the Bengals won’t move him for anything less than a second-round pick.
“It’s a tricky spot for Cincinnati to be in—finding a team to give up a premium pick and $30 million (or more) per year for a 31-year-old pass rusher isn’t easy.” Hendrickson’s camp was convinced they could land a first-rounder. So far? No takers.
A Day 2 pick for a guy who just put up 17.5 sacks feels like a steal. But here’s the catch—Hendrickson isn’t just looking for a new team; he’s looking for a massive payday. We’re talking $30+ million per year. That’s quarterback money. Will teams pay up? The Bills could use him. So could the Jaguars. But coughing up premium draft capital and handing over a monster contract? That’s where it gets complicated.
So, what’s next? Hendrickson will have no shortage of suitors. He’s proven his pedigree… and has done it time and again! But will a contender pull the trigger on both the trade and the payday? That’s the million—err, $30 million—dollar question.
The post NFL Rumors: Bengals Do Away With Trey Hendrickson to Get $15M Ravens Star as Joe Burrow’s Protector appeared first on EssentiallySports.
