CINCINNATI, OH — For days, whispers filled NFL war rooms. A Bengals’ defensive star has been on the brink of a trade for a while — calls were made, offers were floated, and contenders circled. However, days before the deadline, Cincinnati made their choice.
The verdict? Trey Hendrickson is staying in Cincinnati.
Bengals Turn Down Multiple Trade Offers for Trey Hendrickson
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Bengals rebuffed several trade inquiries for their Pro Bowl pass rusher, including offers from the Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, and Indianapolis Colts.
“The Bengals have turned down trade offers for Trey Hendrickson,” Fowler reported. “The Colts make a ton of sense, but Cincinnati has no plans to deal him right now.”
The decision ends days of speculation surrounding one of the league’s most disruptive defenders — and sends a clear message about where the Bengals stand heading into the second half of the season.
Why the Bengals Refused to Trade Their Star
Hendrickson has been dominant once again in 2025, racking up 4.0 sacks and countless pressures that have kept Cincinnati’s defense competitive through key stretches.
League insiders believe the Bengals see Hendrickson as too valuable to lose, especially as they fight to stay alive in the AFC playoff race.
“Trey is one of our leaders,” a Bengals staffer told Cincy Jungle. “You don’t trade a guy like that when you’re still in the fight.”
A Message to the Rest of the NFL
By keeping Hendrickson, Cincinnati is betting on stability over splash. Instead of selling off top talent, the Bengals are sending a loud, unmistakable signal — they’re not backing down.
Meanwhile, teams like the 49ers, Cowboys, and Colts will have to shift their focus elsewhere, as the league’s trade clock ticks toward zero.
The Bottom Line
The suspense is over. Trey Hendrickson isn’t leaving Cincinnati — and that decision could define the Bengals’ season.
When the dust settles after the trade deadline, one truth remains: Cincinnati believes its Super Bowl window is still wide open with Joe Burrow returning before seasons’ end.
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