After the Cincinnati Bengals gave lucrative contracts to the wide receiver duo of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, there are many in the football world who are wondering about the future of defensive end Trey Hendrickson. The Indianapolis Colts have been a team to watch for Hendrickson, and there has been an update on that situation.
According to Stephen Holder of ESPN’s NFL Nation, Indianapolis checked in on Hendrickson. However, the team “was not willing to meet” the “compensation request of a first-round pick” among other reasons.
“One thing we heard: The Colts were among the teams that checked in on the availability of Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who is seeking to be traded and wants a new contract,” Holder said. “But Indianapolis ultimately decided it was not willing to meet the Bengals’ initial compensation request of a first-round pick and determined that granting Hendrickson a new deal would require shedding some salary.”
Hendrickson had another productive season for Cincinnati in 2024, arguably his best as he led the NFL in sacks with 17.5 with the Florida Atlantic product looking for a new contract.
No clear finality in Trey Hendrickson’s situation
While most are wondering about the future of Hendrickson, a recent report suggested the Bengals are trying to work out a new deal with him.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that the Bengals “have not shown an eagerness to deal him.”
“There is definitely trade interest. But the Bengals have not shown an eagerness to deal him,” Fowler wrote of Hendrickson.
Still, the connections between Indianapolis and Hendrickson are there. For example, he played for new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen when both were with the New Orleans Saints, as ESPN's Field Yates pointed out.
“Trey Hendrickson has played for two defensive coordinators in his career. Dennis Allen: 2017-2020, Lou Anarumo: 2021-2024,” Yates wrote. “This isn’t to say Hendrickson would need to play for a former coach, but two that know him well are now in Chicago and Indianapolis.”
At any rate, it remains to be seen what happens with Hendrickson this offseason as it seems it wouldn’t be shocking if he re-signs with Cincinnati .
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