Sportsnaut
Once again, the Cincinnati Bengals are open to trading first-team All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson. Yet, they may not be very motivated sellers.
After all, they’ve known since at least March that the NFL’s reigning sack leader wants a trade, and they’ve been unable to find a partner. Cincinnati apparently hasn’t made progress toward a contract extension that would ensure Hendrickson stays past this season either.
So, what should the Bengals be searching for, if they’re committed to trading their four-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher?
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay recently took a look at one Bengals trade offer they should accept for Hendrickson. Yet, instead of getting more help on defense, this proposal helps protect the face of the franchise, Joe Burrow, instead.
Dealing away Bryce Young’s blindside protector, just weeks before the season officially starts? That feels like a big gamble.
Of course, if trading Ekwonu, who ranked 38th among tackles graded by Pro Football Focus in 2024, is what it takes to acquire a blue-chip talent like Hendrickson, maybe the Panthers should consider it.
Yet, since the Panthers have had to overpay just to acquire offensive linemen in free agency, this doesn’t seem like the type of move general manager Dan Morgan would rush into, even for Hendrickson. Still, it’s a fascinating look into what the Panthers may have to cough up for a player of his caliber.
Related: 5 Trey Hendrickson Trades Cincinnati Bengals Should Accept
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