Bengals won't trade star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson

Contract talks for Bengals star Trey Hendrickson have taken a new direction. Initially seen as a possible trade candidate, the team is now focused on keeping him. The Cincinnati Bengals have been busy this offseason. They have signed key players, including receivers Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase, to contracts totaling over $100 million. With Hendrickson still unsigned, it was thought he might be traded. However, this is no longer the case. Recent updates indicate that a trade is unlikely. Instead, the Bengals are committed to re-signing Hendrickson, who is a vital part of their defense. The team prefers to retain all of their top talent. While the Bengals have invested heavily in several star players, there are concerns about how to build the rest of the roster. Having multiple high-paid stars can complicate team management. Quarterback Joe Burrow leads the way with a $55 million yearly salary. Despite these challenges, retaining Hendrickson seems beneficial. He plays an important position, critical for the team's success. Reports suggest both sides are interested in a new deal, marking a shift from earlier trade discussions. The Bengals aim to keep their core intact, hoping to compete not just for the AFC North title but also for a Super Bowl berth. They previously reached the championship game in 2022 and are looking to build on that success.