The Baltimore Ravens aim to win a third straight AFC North title in 2025, but the division remains packed with high-powered offenses and fierce defenses. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals have long been contenders, but recent reports about one Bengals star could impact their playoff chances.
Throughout the offseason, the NFL world has been tracking the Trey Hendrickson saga. After leading the league with 17.5 sacks and earning first-team All-Pro honors in 2024, the 30-year-old is seeking a new contract. However, the Bengals have been reluctant to offer a new deal, leaving uncertainty about his future with the team.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport recently reported that the Bengals could be willing to trade the defensive star, as negotiations remain at a standstill just weeks before the regular season begins.
The #Bengals have always done their due diligence. But timing is now of the essence.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 17, 2025
This will be expensive, likely with a young player and a future pick if possible. A challenge for sure — especially because the #Bengals are a playoff-ready team. https://t.co/nauDkkCSLk
To most, extending Hendrickson seems like an easy choice. He was the lifeblood of the defense last year. The team's unit was horrific, allowing 348.3 yards per game, and the potential loss of the All-Pro could see them regress substantially. But for now, it is looking increasingly unlikely that he will have a future with the Bengals.
Bengals on brink of major blunder amid Trey Hendrickson fallout
If the Bengals trade Hendrickson, that's one less fearsome pass rusher that Baltimore must face twice a year. The AFC North is home to several All-Pro-level sack artists: the Cleveland Browns’ Myles Garrett and the Steelers’ T.J. Watt are widely regarded as the best in the league, with Hendrickson close behind. Both Garrett and Watt received contract extensions this offseason, though, leaving Hendrickson unhappy about his situation with the Bengals.
Various teams have shown interest in the four-time Pro Bowler, including the Carolina Panthers, the Indianapolis Colts, and even the division-rival Browns, per Jordan Schultz. While a deal involving a star of Hendrickson’s caliber is never easy to get done, it sounds like the team is willing to hear out other franchises for trade offers.
Hendrickson is not the first Pro Bowl pass rusher to be in trade news this month. Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons requested a trade earlier in August, once again putting the team in the spotlight amid contract talks. Possible deals surrounding the two elite-level talents would be extremely costly.
For the Ravens, Hendrickson’s departure from the division would be a relief. However, that does not mean they are immune to similar contract troubles, as outside linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh are both set to become free agents in 2026.
While neither is of the caliber of Hendrickson, the increasingly expensive edge rusher market will only make things tougher. The rising value at the position means extensions for Van Noy and Oweh could demand significantly higher salaries. Add that to the fact that Baltimore has a long laundry list of extensions to hand out before the 2026 offseason, and General Manager Eric DeCosta could have his hands full working out deals.