Bengals Receive Strong Trey Hendrickson Warning From Former NFL QB

Newsweek

6 hours ago

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The Cincinnati Bengals have found themselves in an impasse with their perennial edge rusher, Trey Hendrickson. The disgruntled defensive playmaker and the organization are heading for a split, as contract talks have once again stalled.
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Initially, Hendrickson began his campaign for a new contract when he requested a trade at the beginning of the 2024 season. That did not last long, and he returned to the team, only to request a trade again in 2025.
Hendrickson was holding out during training camp and was then asked to return in hopes that contract talks would spark up again. Despite hope of a new deal, it appears the Bengals have reached an impasse once again.
Trey Hendrickson #91 of the Cincinnati Bengals lines up before the snap during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 7, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland.
Trey Hendrickson #91 of the Cincinnati Bengals lines up before the snap during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 7, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland.More news: Packers Offensive Weapon Predicted to Be Surprise Cut Candidate
Reports emerged on Sunday that the Bengals are now actively listening to offers for Hendrickson. Without Hendrickson, the team might take a huge hit on defense, which has arguably been the weakest side of the ball.
Even more so, former NFL quarterback Dan Arlovsky has issued a big warning to the Bengals over potentially losing Hendrickson.
"Without him, I do not believe [the Bengals] are a playoff team."
—@DanOrlovsky7 on Trey Hendrickson 😯 pic.twitter.com/o2cJBGzC30 — First Take (@FirstTake) August 18, 2025
"I believe that no player outside of quarterbacks can change the variance of the floor and ceiling of their team like Trey Hendrickson can for the Bengals. Without him, I do not believe they are a playoff team. This was their best defender last year on the historically bad defense, to remind everyone that this is a team that went 3-4 last year. Three wins, four losses when they scored 33 or more points. The rest of the NFL went 79-7 in that regard," Orlovsky stated.
The former NFL passer pointed to how good Hendrickson has been, and losing him would put an even bigger loss on a defense that has not played up to par.
Orlovsky also states that the Bengals can win a Super Bowl with Hendrickson, who had a league-leading 17.5 sacks in 2024.
Sadly, it does sound as though the Bengals won't be keeping Hendrickson around, as both parties have not been able to reach a deal. Oddly enough, this has happened before with other teams.
Myles Garrett requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns, who answered back with a record-setting contract extension. The Bengals might be playing hardball, but they will likely have to produce a contract around the same amount as Garrett's to keep Hendrickson from walking out of the building.
As Orlovsky stated, losing Hendrickson might lead the Bengals to not be able to secure a playoff berth.
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