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Cincinnati Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson Breaks Silence on Trade Request

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated 5/14/24

If you didn’t know better, it would be hard to actually believe Trey Hendrickson requested a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals, based on how he’s conducted himself during the team’s voluntary offseason program.

The veteran defensive end is in attendance, working out with his teammates, despite requesting a trade prior to the 2024 NFL Draft.

Trey Hendrickson Explains Cincinnati Bengals Trade Request

In Hendrickson’s first public comments since asking out of Cincinnati, it sure sounds like he’s hoping that the business of his contract negotiations can work out without him actually getting dealt away.

“This is where separating business and the team is difficult. At what point am I contradicting what I want?” Hendrickson told Geoff Hobson of the team’s website. “Long-term, winning games, all those things are what I want to do here in Cincinnati, and removing myself from the team doesn’t help the team.”

Last season, Hendrickson posted a career-high 17.5 sacks, and has developed into one of the Bengals’ most consistently dominant and disruptive playmakers.

“The stats mean I’ve had a good team surrounding me,” Hendrickson said. “That means I’ve had teammates who have given me the opportunity for individual achievements. I can’t rush the passer on my own. I can’t scheme a pass coverage like (defensive coordinator) Lou (Anarumo) can that is freeing me up on third-and-8 for a sack-strip. I can’t do it without (head coach) Zac Taylor giving us a 14-point lead, when sacks are more attainable. That’s football. Not just defense. Not just the defensive line. It’s a team.”

Hendrickson and his representatives are looking to rework an extension that is set to pay him $14.5 million in 2024 and $15.5 million for the 2025 season. There aren’t many players who would put working out with his current teammates behind contract talks that seemingly have stalled out. But, it sounds like Hendrickson is open to the idea of moving forward with the Bengals, and is in attendance as a sign of good faith.

“My mindset is to win a Super Bowl and I think we’ve got the quarterback and the pieces to do it,” Hendrickson said. “I want to be here a long time. I want to win football games and I want to bring a Super Bowl to Cincinnati.”