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Ben Baby, ESPN Staff Writer
CINCINNATI — Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson is back with the team after missing the first three weeks of the offseason program amid a trade request.
In a video posted by the team Monday, Hendrickson was seen going through position drills.
It’s the latest development in Hendrickson’s offseason saga. He has been seeking a trade as the Bengals have been unwilling to issue him a long-term deal.
Hendrickson, who initially signed a four-year contract with Cincinnati in 2021, has developed into one of the league’s best pass-rushers. Last year, he tied for second with 17.5 sacks, the most in Bengals history since sacks became an official stat in 1982.
After the NFL draft in April, Bengals coach Zac Taylor sounded optimistic that Hendrickson would be with the team this season.
“We want Trey to play here next year for us,” Taylor said April 27. “He’s going to play here next year for us. He’s going to have success, we’re going to have success and I’m excited for that.”
Hendrickson’s trade request comes a year after the Bengals gave him a one-year contract extension. According to financial data via OverTheCap.com, that deal included an $8 million signing bonus, which increased his 2023 salary by $5 million but left his 2024 salary the same.
Since he joined the Bengals in 2021, he ranks eighth in pass rush win rate as an edge rusher, per NFL Next Gen Stats, and is fifth in total sacks during that span.