Remember when Trey Hendrickson could’ve walked away last year? Joe Burrow basically played the role of team ambassador, giving him a public vote of confidence. “Both those guys [Higgins and Trey] have earned everything that has come to them and more. I’ll support them all the way through it,” Burrow said. And it worked. “It means a lot whenever somebody that talented has your back,” Hendrickson responded and stuck around, did what he does best—terrorized QBs—and led the league in sacks.

But fast-forward to today, and Cincinnati’s pass-rushing machine is officially on the trade block. What changed? The thing is, the front office didn’t suddenly forget that Hendrickson is one of the best pass rushers in football. But with one year left on his deal at $16 million and contract talks heading nowhere, Cincinnati might be taking the ‘better to trade early than too late’ approach. His stats include 46 total tackles and 17.5 sacks, and he also reached the Pro Bowl for the fourth straight year. That being said, the team was not willing to inch near the top of the market for Hendrickson, where Nick Bosa and Maxx Crosby reside at around $35 million per year. Additionally, he will turn 31 in December and despite his good stats, the Bengals are trying to form a young defense under coordinator Al Golden.

While the Bengals have decided to move on from Hendrickson, this is a great opportunity for other teams. The player is getting shopped around like a high-end free agent, and the Bengals are shifting their focus elsewhere—specifically, to protecting Burrow on the gridiron. The word on the street is that the team has set its sights on $15 million Ravens lineman Patrick Mekari. A to Z Sports predicted this. Now it was not exactly a one-for-one swap—Hendrickson was a defensive juggernaut, while Mekari was a versatile O-lineman. But in Cincy’s logic, it makes sense: Burrow needs protection, and Mekari is one of the best at doing just that.

In 2024, he had a 97.1 pass block efficiency, allowed just 27 pressures, and finished with a solid 70.3 pass block grade. The Bengals, desperate to improve their O-line, are clearly prioritizing keeping Burrow upright over keeping their sack machine.

UPDATE: ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Mekari was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Further, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler revealed it is a three-year deal worth $37.5 million. In fact, it could go up to $39 million and features $20 million in guarantees. The player recorded snaps at every position during his time with the Ravens. He filled wherever they needed him to be. And in 2024, that meant he played almost every down at left guard for a revamped offensive line. So he packs versatility, with more than 500 snaps at both tackle spots.

Losing Hendrickson stings—no way around it. You don’t just replace a guy who puts up back-to-back 17.5 sack seasons. But the Bengals are making a bet. And when a bet’s involved, there are no sure-shot exit routes.

No doubt, Trey Hendrickson will attract a lot of interest

Well, here we are. The Bengals’ defense took a beating last season, and instead of reinforcing it, the front office is out here shopping for its best pass rusher. Trey Hendrickson, the guy who just led the league in sacks, now has permission to seek a trade. Bold strategy. Especially when Cincinnati’s already dealing with Sam Hubbard’s sudden retirement.

According to Adam Schefter, the Bengals locked in defensive tackle B.J. Hill on a fresh deal, but negotiations with Hendrickson? Completely stalled. And if you ask Albert Breer, the Bengals won’t move him for anything less than a second-round pick.

“It’s a tricky spot for Cincinnati to be in—finding a team to give up a premium pick and $30 million (or more) per year for a 31-year-old pass rusher isn’t easy,” said Breer earlier this week. Hendrickson’s camp was convinced they could land a first-rounder. So far, no takers.

A Day 2 pick for a guy who just put up 17.5 sacks feels like a steal. But here’s the catch—Hendrickson isn’t just looking for a new team; He is looking for a massive payday. We’re talking $30+ million per year. That’s quarterback money. The Bills could use him. So could the Jaguars. But coughing up premium draft capital and handing over a monster contract? That’s where it gets complicated.

Trey Hendrickson will have no shortage of suitors. After all, he has proven his pedigree and has done it time and again! But will a contender pull the trigger on both the trade and the payday? That’s the million—err, $30 million—dollar question. What do you think?