The trade deadline is almost upon us. With that, the front office phones are ringing nonstop for the Cincinnati Bengals. A majority of those calls concern the availability‌ of star defensive end Trey Hendrickson. But the Bengals have set the trade market straight.

As Dianna Russini reported recently, if any team wants Hendrickson shoring up their defense, it’s got to be a first-round pick or nothing. No exceptions. This isn’t just about one player, though. With the uncertainty the Bengals are facing regarding their 2025 season, Cincinnati is determined to either protect or secure its future. Dianna writes:

“League sources say the Bengals are still asking for a first-round pick in any deal for Trey Hendrickson at this time. The trade deadline arrives in just over 28 hours, and teams are continuing to call Cincinnati about a number of their players. For now, prices remain high.”

This season’s injuries and unevenness have overshadowed Hendrickson’s numbers; just 11 solo tackles and four sacks across seven games. But his 17.5 sacks from ‘23 and ‘24 speak for themselves. He’s been one of the most consistent pass rushers in football since joining the Bengals. And if any team wants that flare for themselves, getting that kind of production won’t come cheap.

Analysts and insiders continue to link Hendrickson with pass rush needy teams. The Dallas Cowboys seem to be at the top of the list along with the Philadelphia Eagles. Cincy had originally shut down any trade talks regarding Hendrickson. But now, they’ll take an offer if it’s simply too good to refuse. And the reason for it could very well be their Week 9 heartbreak.

Zac Taylor’s Week 9 woes fueling trade stance?

First, it was Joe Burrow’s injury. With him on the sidelines, Joe Flacco took the helm and sparked the offense. It looked like the head coach Zac Taylor had found an answer to the team’s offensive woes. With that hope, and with Flacco fresh off an injury scare, they hosted the Chicago Bears in Week 9. But that didn’t work.

The final seconds at Paycor Stadium slipped away, and with them, Cincinnati’s hopes. With Trey Hendrickson sitting out the game, the defense suffered. Not only did they allow 293 passing yards, they also gave up 283 yards on the ground. No interceptions, no turnovers. In the process, they allowed the Bears free rein for 6 touchdowns. Even so, they could have won, if not for the final minute. 

With less than a minute left in the fourth quarter, the Bengals managed to claw back up to a 42-41 lead. But then came Bears quarterback Caleb Williams’ deep pass to rookie tight end Colston Loveland, which turned into a 58-yard touchdown play with Loveland seemingly unstoppable by Cincy’s secondary. Post-game, Zac Taylor’s frustration was clearly visible, having watched his defense give up what could have been a win.

“I can’t believe it. I can’t believe it. The game was right there and we can’t find a way to get it done. Just need to make one play.”

Had that play gone differently if they had Trey Hendrickson on the field? Maybe that’s why the Bengals have drawn a line in the sand regarding the price for their star pass rusher. With the November 4 deadline almost here, it’s now or never. For the Bengals, and for any team who’d be willing to make a last-minute gamble for pass rush.