Report: Cardinals Unlikely to Land Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson
The Arizona Cardinals’ hopes of acquiring Cincinnati Bengals star defensive end Trey Hendrickson appear to be fading, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
“My understanding is that the Bengals and ownership are fully prepared to move forward with Hendrickson and work on a contract extension. I don’t believe they intend to trade him at all,” Schultz said on NFL on FOX.
“After speaking with multiple sources, it seems the team has reached the conclusion that a trade is essentially off the table—great news for Bengals fans. Now, the focus shifts to whether both sides can agree on a fair deal.”
Schultz also pointed out that the recent extension for Danielle Hunter with the Houston Texans could serve as a blueprint for Hendrickson’s potential deal. With both players being similar in age and playing the same position, negotiations between Hendrickson and the Bengals will likely hinge on finding a comparable number that works for both parties.
Cardinals’ Pursuit of Trey Hendrickson Appears Over
The Arizona Cardinals were among the teams eyeing Cincinnati Bengals star defensive end Trey Hendrickson, but a trade now seems unlikely.
Hunter’s recent extension—a one-year, $36.5 million deal—set the market, and many believed Cincinnati would struggle to afford a new contract for Hendrickson after signing Ja’Marr Chase ($161 million over four years) and Tee Higgins ($115 million over four years). However, NFL insiders report that the Bengals are committed to keeping Hendrickson.
PHNX previously reported that the Cardinals had inquired about Hendrickson’s availability earlier in the offseason, given their need for front seven reinforcements. Arizona had cap space and draft capital to make a deal, but the Bengals appear unwilling to part ways with their Pro Bowl pass rusher.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reinforced this stance, stating, “The Bengals do not like letting good players leave the building. Even for a huge draft pick, they prefer to draft, develop, and sign their own guys.”
Although Arizona missed out on Hendrickson, the team bolstered its defensive front by adding Josh Sweat and Dalvin Tomlinson in free agency. The Cardinals also hold the 16th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, where they could target another impact player for their front seven.
While Arizona’s chances of landing Hendrickson were always slim, it now appears certain that he won’t be moving.
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