Bengals' Hendrickson hints at trade if new deal not struck

Fresh off an All-Pro campaign in which he led the league in sacks, star defensive end Trey Hendrickson believes now is as good a time as any to get paid.

"I think the offseason is a good spot to kind of address these issues that do come up," Hendrickson said on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Wednesday. "And during the season, you're talking OTAs and (training) camp, you don't want to become a distraction for the team. Because inevitably, the goal is to win a Super Bowl for Cincinnati."

Hendrickson has just one year left on his deal. He's set to earn $15.8 million in base salary in 2025 and count for a $18.6-million cap hit, according to Over the Cap.

Hendrickson said he wants the best for the Bengals no matter his status, but he hinted that he'd be open to a move if the two sides can't reach a deal.

"If it's something that we can agree on in terms, that would be great," he said. "Ideally, my wife and I would love to stay in Cincinnati. If it's something that helps the Bengals win a Super Bowl, if they get picks or anything like that, I want to help win a Super Bowl for Cincinnati, if I'm there or not."

Hendrickson, 30, recorded 17.5 sacks in 2024, as well as 46 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles. He's been a Pro Bowler in each of his four seasons with Cincinnati.

Bengals director of personnel Duke Tobin admitted Hendrickson has earned a new deal but wouldn't commit toward confirming an extension in the near future.

"Has he earned a pay raise and a bump in an extension … he has," Tobin said. "We're cognizant of that, and we will give that to him. But whether we agree on what that looks like is, (that) is what is to be determined."

The Bengals also intend to negotiate an extension for wideout Ja'Marr Chase after he won the triple crown. Fellow receiver Tee Higgins is scheduled to become a free agent this spring after playing on the franchise tag in 2024.