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Cincinnati Bengals Defensive End Trey Hendrickson Requests Trade
On Wednesday, Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson, through his agent Harold Lewis, expressed his desire for a trade. The primary motive behind this request is to secure a long-term commitment from the franchise, following a one-year extension agreement reached last year.
Harold Lewis emphasized the importance of securing a long-term deal with the Bengals. In the absence of such an agreement, Hendrickson’s camp is pushing for a trade with the hope of landing a favorable long-term contract elsewhere. The initial extension in 2023 saw Hendrickson receive a lucrative one-year deal worth $21 million, featuring an $8 million signing bonus. Despite his stellar performance as one of the league’s premier defensive ends, Hendrickson seeks further financial security.
During a two-hour meeting in March, Hendrickson and his agent met with Bengals officials to explore the possibility of a trade. However, the Bengals indicated their reluctance to engage in any trading discussions. While the team expressed openness to revisiting a new contract in the future, Hendrickson’s current deal runs through the 2025 season.
In the 2023 season, Hendrickson distinguished himself by recording 17.5 sacks, the second-highest total across the NFL behind T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Beyond traditional statistics, advanced metrics underscore Hendrickson’s impact as an edge rusher. His prowess is evidenced by an impressive 11th-place finish in pass rush win rate and creating 18 sacks, trailing only Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Despite his on-field excellence, Hendrickson’s contract details raise concerns. Comparing his extension’s average annual value to other edge rushers, Hendrickson ranks 11th, despite his stellar performance. Previously signing a four-year deal worth $60 million in 2021, Hendrickson has consistently delivered top-tier production, earning Pro Bowl honors in his first three seasons with the Bengals.
Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo commended Hendrickson’s work ethic and commitment to excellence, highlighting his role in elevating the team’s performance. Notably, Hendrickson’s request for a trade aligns with teammate Tee Higgins, who also sought a move earlier in the offseason. However, Higgins later expressed his intention to continue playing for the Bengals this season.
Emphasizing Hendrickson’s desire for stability and appreciation for the Bengals organization, agent Harold Lewis acknowledged the challenging nature of professional football. Despite not seeking to become the highest-paid player at his position, Hendrickson’s request represents a quest for security and long-term assurance in a competitive and demanding industry.
Through perseverance and dedication, Hendrickson has established himself as a key contributor to the Bengals’ success. In addition to his on-field prowess, he has showcased resilience by playing through injuries, exemplifying his commitment to the team’s objectives and aspirations for sustained success in the NFL.
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