As the NFL offseason continues, tensions between the Cincinnati Bengals and star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson seem to be growing. With each passing day, it appears that a contract agreement between the two parties is becoming less and less likely. Hendrickson, who signed with the Bengals in the 2021 offseason, has made it clear that he is not happy with his current situation in Cincinnati. And now, for the second time in the offseason, the Bengals have reportedly considered trading him.
According to recent reports, the Bengals have set a high asking price for Hendrickson, indicating that they are not willing to part ways with the talented pass rusher easily. This news comes as a surprise to many, as Hendrickson had a breakout season in 2020 with the New Orleans Saints, recording a career-high 13.5 sacks. He was expected to be a key piece of the Bengals’ defense going forward, but it seems that the two sides are not on the same page.
The Bengals’ asking price for Hendrickson is said to be quite steep, with the team reportedly seeking a high draft pick in return. This indicates that they are not only looking for a fair trade, but also trying to send a message to Hendrickson that they value him highly and are not willing to let him go easily. However, this may not sit well with the pass rusher, who is seeking a long-term, lucrative contract.
Hendrickson’s frustration with the Bengals’ handling of his contract situation is understandable. After a breakout season, he is looking to secure his financial future and secure a deal that reflects his value. However, it seems that the Bengals are not willing to meet his demands, leading to a standstill in negotiations.
This is not the first time that Hendrickson’s name has come up in trade talks this offseason. In March, there were rumors that the Bengals were considering trading him to the New York Giants in exchange for offensive lineman Kevin Zeitler. However, those talks never materialized, and Hendrickson remained with the Bengals. But now, with the asking price being set, it seems that the Bengals are serious about exploring their options for the pass rusher.
The Bengals’ reluctance to meet Hendrickson’s demands could also be due to their recent signing of veteran pass rusher, Jadeveon Clowney. The team may feel that they have enough talent on their defensive line and are not willing to break the bank for another pass rusher. However, Hendrickson’s numbers from last season speak for themselves, and it’s clear that he is a valuable asset on any team.
It remains to be seen how this situation will play out. Hendrickson has made it clear that he wants to be paid what he believes he is worth, and the Bengals seem to be standing their ground. But as the start of the 2021 season draws closer, both parties may have to come to a compromise in order to avoid a potential holdout.
In the end, it’s in the best interest of both the Bengals and Hendrickson to come to a resolution. The Bengals need Hendrickson’s pass rushing abilities to improve their defense, and Hendrickson needs a team that values his talent and is willing to invest in him. Hopefully, both sides can find a middle ground and reach a contract agreement that satisfies everyone involved.
In the meantime, Bengals fans can only hope that their team can resolve this situation and keep Hendrickson in Cincinnati for the long haul. Losing a talented pass rusher like Hendrickson would be a major blow to the team’s defense and could hinder their chances of success in the upcoming season. Let’s hope that the Bengals and Hendrickson can find a way to work things out and keep the star pass rusher in Cincinnati for years to come.
In conclusion, it’s clear that the Bengals and Trey Hendrickson are currently at odds over his contract situation. With the team setting a high asking price for the pass rusher, it seems that a trade is not out of the question. However, both parties would benefit from finding a resolution and avoiding a potential holdout. Let’s hope that the Bengals and Hendrickson can come to an agreement and focus on the upcoming season.
