Bengals permit Trey Hendrickson trade talk amid free agency

The Cincinnati Bengals are navigating a challenging offseason as they focus on contract extensions and rebuilding their defense. Notably, they have re-signed defensive tackle BJ Hill to a three-year, $33 million deal, providing some stability on their defensive line after a disappointing 2024 season. Meanwhile, star defensive end Trey Hendrickson has been given permission to seek a trade, with reports suggesting that his camp believes a first-round pick could be possible in return. However, there are concerns about finding a team willing to part with a premium pick and pay Hendrickson's expected $30 million-plus annual salary. As teams like the Chicago Bears express interest in Hendrickson, the Bengals may need to reassess their strategy if they cannot secure a deal that meets their demands. Additionally, the Bengals are expected to explore options to fill the potential void left by Hendrickson, possibly considering short-term solutions like Za'Darius Smith.