Bengals letting star DE Hendrickson seek trade

The Cincinnati Bengals have granted All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson permission to seek a trade.

“It’s been an honor and privilege to represent Cincinnati over the last four years,” said Hendrickson, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks last season. “I love this city and organization. I appreciate the privilege of now being allowed to explore my options.”

Hendrickson is under contract through the 2025 season but has stated a desire for a new contract, dating back to a failed trade request last season.

Hendrickson, 30, is coming off his eighth season in the league. All four of his seasons with the Bengals have resulted in Pro Bowl appearances.

The former third-round pick, who signed with Cincinnati as a free agent in 2021, requested a trade at the start of last offseason, despite receiving a one-year extension in 2023. Despite being one of the league’s most productive players over the past few seasons, he ranks 11th in average annual salary among edge rushers, per Roster Management System.

He has 77 sacks in his eight-year NFL career.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Ben Baby contributed to this report.