NFL Rumors: Bengals Have 'Zero Interest' in Trading Trey Hendrickson Despite Request

Already dealing with Tee Higgins' trade request, the Cincinnati Bengals also have to contend with their best defensive player apparently wanting to leave.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Trey Hendrickson has requested a trade because the Bengals haven't been willing to meet his demands for a long-term contract extension.

Despite the request, The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr. reported the Bengals have "zero interest" in trading Hendrickson and "don't intend to do so."

Schefter noted Higgins reiterated his request to the team because they haven't engaged in contract talks in over a year. The 25-year-old originally requested a trade on March 11 after he was given the franchise tag, which guarantees him $21.8 million in 2024.

Hendrickson signed a one-year extension with the Bengals last offseason that kept him under contract through the 2025 season. He is owed $14.8 million in 2024 and $15.8 million in 2025.

The 29-year-old is the 11th-highest-paid edge-rusher in the NFL with an average annual salary of $21 million. Brian Burns (five years, $141 million), Danielle Hunter (two years, $49 million) and Montez Sweat (four years, $98 million) have all signed long-term deals since November.

In his three seasons with the Bengals, Hendrickson has established himself as one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL. He has racked up 76 quarterback hits, 39.5 sacks and 34 tackles for loss in 48 games since the start of 2021.

The only players with more sacks during that span are T.J. Watt (47), Myles Garrett (46), Nick Bosa (44.5) and Micah Parsons (40.5).

Hendrickson signed with the Bengals as a free agent in March 2021. He spent the first four years of his career with the New Orleans Saints.