Seems like one is more likely to move than the other.
The Cincinnati Bengals defense was a huge issue last season as they let the offense down quite a few times. Because of that, there has been a magnifying glass on what happens on that side of the ball. Especially with two veteran players who have requested trades.
Head coach Zac Taylor had updates for reporters on both players. The biggest one is pass rusher Trey Hendrickson who led the NFL in sacks last season:
“Very consistent. Not just two years, four years for us and I think he’s one of the premier pass rushers in this league,” Taylor told Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. “Teams have to devote a lot of attention to him as they start their game plan each week. He’s been a guy who works his tail off day in and day out 365 days a year, which I can respect and appreciate. We’ll just continue to work through the process with Trey.”
It never seemed like Cincinnati was keen on trading away their most productive player on the defensive side of the ball. It was reported their asking price was too high to go along with also having to lay Hendrickson.
Realistically, this was a way for Hendrickson to look at his market and the Bengals, hopefully, to help bridge the gap for something that is fair for the veteran who is entering his 30s.
The most recent report was the Bengals took the trade off the table, and Taylor’s comments support that.
His comments regarding Pratt leave a lot more openings:
Zac Taylor on where things stand with LB Germaine Pratt after he requested a trade from the Bengals this offseason:
“We’ll just keep moving forward right now with Germaine and see where it ends up.”
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) March 31, 2025
Pratt requested a trade following defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo getting fired. News has been slow on that front even after the team hired his old linebacker coach, Al Golden, as the new defensive coordinator.
The team did go out and sign Oren Burks from the Philadelphia Eagles early in free agency to possibly pair with Logan Wilson if Pratt is dealt.
We may have to see how the draft shakes out, but Pratt is in the final year of his contract, so getting a conditional late Day 3 pick for him if someone is willing to take on his contract isn’t a horrible move, especially if the team is able to draft a linebacker to develop in his place.
