Since the Bengals didn’t find a deal they liked before the draft after granting Hendrickson’s trade request, though, they’re unlikely to make a deal happen now. They hold plenty of leverage over the contract standoff, with Hendrickson nearing fines during mandatory work, plus the idea he won’t want to harm his long-term value now at the age of 30.

ESPN insiders recently proposed multiple trade scenarios for Hendrickson, including one to the Commanders. Here's Seth Walder's offer from Washington to Cincinnati for Hendrickson: Bengals send Hendrickson to the Commanders for Jer'Zhan Newton, a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick.