THE Cincinnati Bengals are being tipped to lose one in every of their largest stars to an enormous rival.

Trey Hendrickson is refusing to play for the Bengals, and a commerce would be the solely decision to this example.

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Hendrickson has blossomed into one of many largest defensive stars within the NFL, however for some motive the Bengals refuse to pay him that method.

Over the past 4 seasons, Hendrickson has gone to 4 straight Professional Bowls and made the All-Professional crew in 2024.

He has 57 sacks, 53 tackles for loss, 11 compelled fumbles, and 155 mixed tackles over that 4 12 months span.

Regardless of all of that, Hendrickson is enjoying on only a $21 million deal, about half of what fellow defensive finish Myles Garrett is making with the Cleveland Browns.

Within the final 4 years, Garrett has simply three extra sacks than Hendrickson.

The Bengals have not been shy about handing out cash to their star gamers, however Hendrickson hasn’t been included in that spending spree.

Huge receiver Ja’Marr Chase was given a four-year, $161 million extension and fellow receiver Tee Higgins acquired a four-year, $115 million contract in March.

Hendrickson acquired no such love and has since spoken out about his frustration with the Bengals.

“We have tried to maintain it as least quantity as private as doable, however sooner or later on this course of it is turns into private,” Hendrickson stated.

“Being despatched 30 days earlier than obligatory camp, or what number of ever days it’s, that if I do not present up I will probably be fined alludes to the truth that one thing will not get accomplished in that time-frame.”

Hendrickson revealed he will not play for the Bengals on his present contract, but additionally stated he thinks his relationship with the crew might be repaired.

“That relationship will restore with time,” Hendrickson stated.

“And identical with this. That is simply the uncomfortable enterprise aspect that we have sadly needed to cope with for the final couple years.

“And fairly frankly, I believe we’re all spent.”

There isn’t any telling if that relationship might be repaired although, and if it could actually’t Hendrickson will most likely be despatched to a brand new crew.

Sports activities Illustrated believes the Detroit Lions are the entrance runners in a possible commerce for the star edge rusher.

The Lions protection could be terrifying if Hendrickson might crew up alongside the crew’s younger star in Aidan Hutchinson.

It could most likely take not less than one first-round decide in a commerce for Hendrickson, however it’s one thing the Lions can afford.

They personal their first spherical picks for the subsequent three years, and are extra centered on competing for Tremendous Bowls now than including younger expertise.

If Hendrickson finally ends up on a brand new crew in 2025, hold a watch out for the Lions to make a transfer.