After months of back and forths, it seems like the Cincinnati Bengals and All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson won’t get a deal done after all. The latest reports tell that the team is listening to trade offers. While there are three teams really interested, one of them competes in the AFC North, meaning they would have to face their star twice a year if that’s the final destination.
Per NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts are the three teams with heavy interest in Hendrickson’s services. Needless to say, the Browns are the more eye-popping option for a plethora of reasons, including the fact that they are not only state rivals, but also divisional foes.
The other real factor is that the Browns already have an elite edge rusher in Myles Garrett. However, as Schultz reported, it is highly unlikely that the Browns and Bengals will make a deal. Plus, the report states that “Cincinnati is believed to want an impact player (or two) plus a draft pick in return.”
Do the Colts or Panthers have enough to entice Cincinnati?
If the Bengals do want impact players, the Colts and Panthers aren’t the most enticing partners. Neither team has so-called blockbuster names, so it would be interesting to see how a possible trade comes to fruition.
The Colts are looking to get over the .500 hump. Having a pass rusher like Hendrickson would certainly help a lot. As for the Panthers, they are trying to rebuild and Hendrickson would become an instant leader on the defensive unit.
What could the Bengals get in return?
If these are, indeed, the teams interested in Hendrickson, you’d assume the Bengals would want a pass rusher in return. Looking at the Colts roster, Kwity Paye would be the best option. Will the Colts be willing to trade him? That is another big ask.
As for the Panthers, they have been reestructuring their defensive line. They’ve brought four projected starters to their defensive line this offseason. Statistically, none are even close to Hendrickson’s recent output. The Bengals would likely have to seek a rusher elsewhere if they do business with the Panthers.