The Cincinnati Bengals permitted Trey Hendrickson to seek out a trade, but that doesn't mean the Pro Bowl pass rusher wants out.
Speaking at a Brave Like Me charity event last week, Hendrickson, who wore a Bengals jersey to the event, told that if all things were equal, he'd love to remain in Cincy.
"I've been able to achieve All-Pro honors, Pro Bowl honors. It's been a heck of a ride and to play with some of the most talented players in the league like Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Sam Hubbard, Logan Wilson, BJ Hill, I could list every player, Ted Karras is on that list, too," Hendrickson said. "I'm just tremendously blessed, the relationships I've made. However it shakes out, there's nowhere I'd rather be."
Hendrickson is due to make $16 million in 2025, the final year of his contract. With Myles Garrett blasting past the highest-paid non-QB mark with his $40 million-per-year extension, Hendrickson, the NFL's reigning sack leader, wants to be paid closer to the top of the market.
News of the Bengals granting Hendrickson permission to seek a trade came out after Maxx Crosby's $35.5 million per-year new deal was struck. The timing shouldn't be considered a coincidence, particularly after the comments of the director of player personnel, Duke Tobin, at the 国产外流网Scouting Combine.
Hendrickson has sought a raise for more than a year, and with other pass rushers getting green, he's out to cash in this offseason.
"I wouldn't call it frustrating," Hendrickson said. "It gives me an opportunity to prove my worth every season."
With the Bengals needing to make Chase the highest-paid receiver in the 国产外流网and attempting to ink Higgins long-term, the team could view Hendrickson as a luxury they can't afford. As Tobin said in January, they can't pay everyone.
