Will Burrow Keep His Top Teammate or Do the Bengals Have Other Plans?

The 2025 NFL offseason has been filled with surprises, but perhaps none more compelling than the contract standoff between Trey Hendrickson and the Cincinnati Bengals. This situation has raised a critical question for fans and analysts alike: Will Burrow keep his top teammate or do the Bengals have other plans?

As one of the league’s elite defensive ends, Trey Hendrickson’s future has become one of the most closely watched storylines in the NFL. With trade rumors heating up and negotiations at a standstill, the Cincinnati Bengals may be forced to make a tough decision that could significantly impact their playoff hopes.

Trey Hendrickson: A Defensive Cornerstone in Question

Since joining the Bengals, Trey Hendrickson has proven himself to be more than just a reliable pass rusher—he’s been a game-changer. Over the last two seasons, he has recorded an impressive 35 sacks, consistently ranking among the top edge rushers in the league.

Hendrickson’s ability to pressure quarterbacks, stop the run, and lead the defensive line has been vital to the Bengals’ recent success. With Joe Burrow at the helm of the offense and Hendrickson anchoring the defense, Cincinnati has developed into a balanced, playoff-caliber team. That’s what makes this unresolved contract situation so important.

Why the Bengals Are Listening to Trade Offers

Despite Hendrickson’s stellar performance, the Bengals have not yet agreed to his demand for a new long-term contract. While the defensive star signed a one-year extension in 2023 that keeps him under contract through the 2025 season, it includes limited guaranteed money—a sticking point for Hendrickson and his representatives.

His current deal includes a base salary of $15.8 million, but compared to other top players at his position, it falls short in both value and security. With the regular season approaching and no resolution in sight, Cincinnati’s front office has reportedly opened the door to trade discussions.

Rapoport emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that any trade would be expensive and that time is becoming a factor. His report raises further speculation: Will Burrow keep his top teammate or do the Bengals have other plans that could reshape the team’s identity?

The NFL Edge Rusher Market: A Competitive Landscape

Trey Hendrickson’s desire for a higher-value contract is not without merit. The edge rusher market has exploded in recent years, with top-tier players commanding record-breaking deals.

Here are the highest-paid edge rushers as of the 2025–26 season:

• T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh Steelers): $41 million average annual value (AAV)

• Myles Garrett (Cleveland Browns): $40 million AAV

• Danielle Hunter (Houston Texans): $35.6 million AAV

In contrast, Hendrickson’s current contract significantly underrepresents his contributions. Given his production and leadership, his value clearly falls in line with the top players at his position. His frustration is understandable, especially when younger, less proven players are securing more lucrative deals.

Potential Trade Destinations for Trey Hendrickson

With the Bengals listening to offers, several NFL teams have emerged as potential suitors for Hendrickson’s services. His combination of elite pass-rushing skills and veteran leadership make him a highly attractive target for contenders and rebuilding teams alike.

The Colts are an up-and-coming team looking to solidify their defensive line. Hendrickson would immediately become their top pass rusher, adding pressure on opposing quarterbacks and strengthening their playoff chances.

The Panthers are in the midst of a roster overhaul and need proven talent to help their defense. A veteran like Hendrickson could provide leadership and production, accelerating their rebuild under a young coaching staff.

It may seem unlikely that the Bengals would trade within the division, but the Browns are reportedly interested. Pairing Hendrickson with Myles Garrett could create one of the most dangerous defensive duos in the league. However, the intra-division dynamics make this a complicated possibility.

Each of these teams would need to offer a substantial package, likely involving a combination of draft picks and promising young players to meet Cincinnati’s asking price.

The Impact on Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ Defense

At the center of this storyline is Joe Burrow, the Bengals’ franchise quarterback. While he may not be involved in front-office decisions, Burrow’s voice carries weight. Maintaining a championship-caliber roster is essential as he enters his prime years.

Losing Hendrickson would not only hurt the defense but also place additional pressure on Burrow and the offense to carry the team. The chemistry between offense and defense has been a key factor in the Bengals’ recent playoff runs. Disrupting that balance could have unintended consequences.

This is why many fans are asking the critical question: Will Burrow keep his top teammate or do the Bengals have other plans that involve future assets over current success?

Three Paths the Bengals Can Take

As the offseason continues, the Bengals are left with three primary options regarding Trey Hendrickson:

The most straightforward option would be to offer Hendrickson a new long-term deal with guaranteed money that reflects his market value. This would preserve defensive stability and send a strong message of support to key veterans.

If an extension is off the table, the Bengals can pursue a trade that returns value in the form of draft picks and young players. While this may benefit the franchise long-term, it risks damaging their chances in the 2025 season.

Cincinnati could choose not to trade or extend Hendrickson, gambling that he will report despite his dissatisfaction. However, this strategy could lead to a holdout, team distraction, and declining morale—all major issues for a playoff-ready roster.

Final Thoughts: A Franchise-Altering Decision

The Bengals are at a crossroads. The decision they make about Trey Hendrickson will affect not only the defense but the entire team’s trajectory in the years to come. With Joe Burrow under center, the team is positioned to compete now. But to do so effectively, they must retain their most valuable assets on both sides of the ball.

Will Burrow keep his top teammate or do the Bengals have other plans? Only time will tell, but what’s clear is that this saga will be one of the defining stories of the 2025 NFL season.

As negotiations continue and trade rumors swirl, all eyes will be on Cincinnati—and on a team trying to make the leap from playoff contender to Super Bowl champion.