After being the highlight of the NFL offseason, Cincinnati Bengals star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson will likely holdout which could signal a trade during training camp this summer. According to several reports, the team is still at a stalemate with the best pass rusher in the league, which may lead to a potential holdout, and that could cause a lot of turmoil already for an organization that’s finding ways to give him a blockbuster contract. It won’t be easy, but there’s been some positive news already that the two have been in communication after the NFL Draft, and the only implication is how far those conversations went. However, it doesn’t mean the talks were negative as well; it’s more of a waiting game of what might happen in the coming months before the 2025 regular season.
The Bengals need to speed up the process of contract negotiations if they want to retain the All-Pro edge rusher. Originally selected in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the former Florida Atlantic product kept this defensive line afloat, recording almost 18 sacks along with 46 tackles and six passes defensed. Hendrickson is entering the final year of his current contract, so it looks like the Bengals are still on the clock even though the NFL Draft is behind everyone. With a new defensive coordinator, Al Golden, the Bengals could risk being without their best pass rusher out there on the field as they install a new scheme.
If the Bengals can’t find a way to retain him even after reworking Geno Stone’s contract, these three teams could offer Cincinnati a deal they can’t turn down.
Breaking: Bengals Star Pass Rusher Trey Hendrickson “Likely” To Holdout, Trade Could Come Soon?
3 Best Fits
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders have been linked to the star pass rusher ever since he was granted a trade this offseason. However, it’ll be up to the Commanders to decide what type of offer they want to give to Hendrickson, as he could be the prominent NFL athlete who can change the culture forever in Washington. They’ve done away with drafting quarterback Jayden Daniels and building a high-caliber offense for him to succeed. With that, it makes sense that Washington would trade for Hendrickson since they’re trying to maximize Daniels’ contract before his deal is up.
After losing sack leader Dante Fowler Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys, the presence of Hendrickson would be an enormous upgrade. Bobby Wagner may be coming back, but his prime days as a pass rusher are behind him. Hendrickson should be their last crown jewel piece for a Super Bowl.
Los Angeles Chargers
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers should be desperate to upgrade the pass-rushing unit. Since they lost Poona Ford after he no longer fit the bill, the team needs a superstar talent to fill the shoes when Khalil Mack eventually retires next year. Da’Shawn Hand and Teair Tart can’t single-handedly carry this unit, and Hendrickson should be the old-school athlete that head coach Jim Harbaugh should keep his eye on.
Carolina Panthers
However, the Carolina Panthers have done a phenomenal job upgrading their defense after spending back-to-back offseasons building an offense for quarterback Bryce Young. They’ve decided to release veteran edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, and it’s hard to imagine they won’t trade for a better option. Despite signing Tershawn Wharton, they need a man on the outside end to complete the package behind him and Derrick Brown. This could be Hendrickson, who has a lot of years ahead of him.
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