The Cincinnati Bengals have to resolve the trade contract saga with Trey Hendrickson after putting an end to the contract drama with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
That’s not to suggest it wasn’t going to take some time. But the team would probably like it done sooner rather later, especially now that Hendrickson’s trade market has appeared to dry up.
One possible solution? A familiar-feeling idea just popped up from Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz: “One league source even suggested they should punt to 2026 and give him a one-year deal worth $30 million — though it’s unclear if that would appease Hendrickson.”
The Bengals did something similar not too long ago with Hendrickson, which helped pave the way to today’s standoff. But such a move would indeed give Hendrickson a fair pay raise, though he and his reps might want guarantees they won’t tag him. While taking a pay cut a year ago, Khalil Mack got a no-trade clause from the Chargers.
This doesn’t seem all that likely compared to an outright long-term extension in the three-year range, though. The market for Hendrickson is set and it’s clear teams aren’t willing to offer up the costly trade compensation the Bengals are undoubtedly demanding.
