Bengals Trade Trey Hendrickson Rumored with Coach Connection

The Cincinnati Bengals' cap space situation has felt more like quicksand than a white-sand beach so far this offseason.

Re-signing star receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to mega contracts take up a lot of the space Cincinnati is trying to create for edge rusher Trey Hendrickson.

There is no doubt, the Bengals are doing the best they can, but the situation could simply be out of their control if they feel pressured into signing Hendrickson close to the positional standard of $40 million a year set this offseason.

He led the NFL in sacks last season. It's obvious he should be compensated appropriately with the likes of Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby.

If they can't find a way to make it work, a trade is always in order.

The Bengals granted Hendrickson permission to test the trade waters to satisfy his displeasures, and until their standoff concludes with a signed contract, that remains an option ... if they can find a partner to dance with.

Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox has entertained this possibility by connecting the Bengals to the Indianapolis Colts.

"The Indianapolis Colts should also be interested, as they now employ former Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo in the same capacity," Knox said.

Anarumo orchestrated the Bengals defense from 2019-2024 - or Hendrickson's entire tenure in Cincinnati since coming from New Orleans as a free agent in 2021.

In his four seasons with the Bengals so far (which is now the second half of his NFL career), Hendrickson has amassed at least 10 sacks three times. That includes a then-career-high of 14 in his first season with Anarumo in Cincinnati.

Hendrickson and his 17.5 sacks in 2024 (and league-leading 35 since 2023) would be a huge upgrade for a Colts defense that struggled rushing the passer, having no player that accumulated more than four sacks last season.

But does Indy have the resources it would take to trade for him? And ... can the Bengals afford to let him go?