### Potential Trade Deals Surface for Bengals' Disgruntled Star Trey Hendrickson

In recent weeks, there has been no significant progress between the Cincinnati Bengals and their star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson regarding his contract demands. Aside from an enigmatic Instagram post from Hendrickson, the stalemate persists. Despite the fixed stance of the Bengals in retaining Hendrickson, other teams have shown interest and proposed potential trades.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Seth Walder recently unveiled intriguing trade scenarios involving Hendrickson. One suggestion involves a potential move to the Indianapolis Colts. According to Fowler, the Colts would send a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Bengals in return for Hendrickson. Such a deal would reunite Hendrickson with his former defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, now with the Colts. This could be an appealing option for the Bengals, especially as they have yet to secure a first-round pick for Hendrickson, and their leverage may diminish over time.

Another trade proposal involves the Washington Commanders offering defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton, a 2026 third-round pick, and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Bengals. Walder reasons that this would be a strategic move for the Commanders, enhancing their pass rush with Hendrickson alongside their existing veteran talent in the defensive line. For the Bengals, acquiring Newton along with the draft picks could provide immediate and future value.

While there is no indication that the Bengals are actively considering these offers, they present compelling options. Whether looking to bolster their roster with young talent or secure valuable draft picks, the Bengals might eventually have to weigh these proposals if negotiations with Hendrickson continue to stall.