Finding a trade partner for All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson won't be simple for the Cincinnati Bengals. Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin acknowledged the move is complex, stating that executing any trade requires finding a willing partner and cooperation from Hendrickson himself. The franchise tag deadline looms on March 3rd; without tagging Hendrickson before then, he becomes a free agent.

Tobin emphasized the challenge, noting trades demand mutual agreement and cooperation. Hendrickson, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024, struggled with just four sacks in seven games last season before being placed on injured reserve due to a core muscle injury requiring surgery. His $29 million salary in the final year of his contract, which ended a training camp holdout, adds another layer of complexity.

The Bengals need to improve their pass rush, a key offseason focus, but Tobin offered no final decision on Hendrickson's future, stating they have resources to pursue improvements while keeping options open.