Bengals Finally Give Up on Trey Hendrickson As Zac Taylor & Front Office Make Tough Trade Decision

“I’m not going to apologize for the rates of the defensive ends being paid in the National Football League,” Trey Hendrickson once said. In Cincinnati, contract drama lingers like heavy clouds on the riverfront, and this summer Hendrickson’s holdout was the storm everyone was watching. The All-Pro edge finally showed face at camp, probably because he didn’t want the thunder to roll any louder.

His message afterward? Just four words: “Nothing has really changed.” And that’s the catch. His return isn’t a solution. The Bengals and Hendrickson are still circling the same issue—guaranteed money. Years and value? All lined up. The Bengals might show they are not ready to let go of Trey Hendrickson, but reports reveal Zac Taylor is considering the outside trade noise. Whispers are everywhere—the Panthers, Browns, Colts, Packers, and Commanders have all kicked the tires. The reality?

The Bengals know exactly what Hendrickson’s worth is, and they’re not giving him up for scraps. Word is, it would take an impact player—maybe even two—plus a draft pick just to get them to pick up the ringing phone.