After making a bold move to acquire veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, the Cincinnati Bengals appeared to signal that they’re going “all-in” for this season. Their recent close loss to the Green Bay Packers—a game that might’ve gone differently with Flacco under center instead of Jake Browning—has given fans some renewed optimism.
However, that optimism might not be enough to prevent speculation around one of Cincinnati’s top trade chips: Trey Hendrickson. While the Bengals are hesitant to part ways with their elite pass rusher, their stance could change quickly if losses continue to pile up and their record dips below 2-4.
According to ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell, if Cincinnati slips further in the standings, a trade sending Hendrickson to the Detroit Lions could become a realistic scenario. Barnwell projected that the Bengals would move Hendrickson to Detroit in exchange for valuable draft capital.
Predicted Deal: Hendrickson to Detroit for a 2026 Second-Round Pick
Barnwell’s proposal suggests that Cincinnati would send Hendrickson and a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Lions in return for Detroit’s 2026 second-round pick. While it’s not a blockbuster move, the jump in draft value would be significant for Cincinnati, especially since Detroit’s second-round selection is likely to land somewhere in the 50s overall.
“This would essentially be a one-year rental,” Barnwell explained. “Hendrickson is entering the final year of his contract, and the Bengals need to be realistic about their outlook without Joe Burrow, who’s sidelined indefinitely due to a toe injury.”
Following a turbulent offseason filled with contract discussions, Hendrickson signed a short-term extension that sets him up for free agency after the 2025 season. Burrow’s unexpected injury has shifted the team’s trajectory, leaving the Bengals in a difficult spot where long-term decisions might outweigh short-term goals.
Why a Trade Could Make Sense
If the Bengals determine that 2025 could be a transitional year without a fully healthy Burrow, trading Hendrickson could be a practical move. Moving him now would secure immediate draft compensation rather than waiting for a potential 2027 compensatory pick, which would likely come in the third round at best—and could even be nullified if Cincinnati signs another free agent next offseason.
In Barnwell’s words, “By moving Hendrickson now, the Bengals could guarantee themselves a solid return instead of risking getting nothing in free agency.”
A trade like this wouldn’t signal a full rebuild, but it would indicate that Cincinnati is recalibrating for the future. Securing a 2026 second-rounder could provide an important asset for a roster retool while giving a contender like Detroit a major defensive boost.
Bengals’ Upcoming Schedule Could Decide Everything
Whether or not Hendrickson is dealt may depend entirely on what happens over the next few weeks. The Bengals are set to face the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears, and New York Jets before the trade deadline after Week 9.
If they fall to 2-7, their playoff chances would be all but gone, and moving Hendrickson would become a logical step. On the other hand, if Cincinnati wins two or more of those games—especially their divisional matchup against the Steelers—they could re-enter the AFC North race, taking Hendrickson off the market entirely.
As Barnwell points out, a win on Thursday Night Football against Pittsburgh could completely change the conversation. A victory might convince Cincinnati to hold onto their star pass rusher, shutting down trade talks with Detroit and any other teams hoping to strengthen their defensive front.
In short, the Bengals’ next few games could determine not just the fate of their season, but also whether Trey Hendrickson becomes one of the most sought-after names at the trade deadline. For the Detroit Lions, who continue to hunt for veteran pass-rush help, the outcome in Cincinnati will be worth watching closely.
