The news that the Cincinnati Bengals are considering using the franchise tag on Trey Hendrickson should not come as a surprise to anyone. This team needs a lot of help. They can’t just let an asset like that walk out the door, but I can’t see them bringing him back either.
So, what could the Bengals get in a tag-and-trade?
Of course, the big buzz is about Max Crosby, but I just can’t see that happening. The Raiders are rebuilding with soon-to-be first overall pick Fernando Mendoza. They’d likely prefer to trade Crosby for draft assets that can grow with their new quarterback. Plus, if the Bengals are willing to pay $30 million a year, why not just keep Henderickson?
I also considered moving him to Dallas for Kenny Clark and a draft pick, but Dallas is supposedly looking to cut Clark to save cap space, so why would they add the expensive Hendrickson? The Bengals would be better off waiting to see if they can sign Clark for less than the $20 million he’s due.
The asking price for Hendrickson should be a third, but maybe they could get a player and a pick. Here are two trade scenarios I like.
Tennessee Titans – Hendrickson and McKinnley Jackson for T’Vondre Sweat
The Tennessee Titans have deep pockets and are not afraid to make a move. The Bengals targeted T’Vondre Sweat as a potential target at nose tackle back in 2024, but with the Titans taking him with the 38th pick, they settled for McKinnley Jackson 62 picks later.
Sweat is coming off an extraordinary year in Tennessee, where he clogged up the middle and accumulated 21 tackles and 2 sacks. The 362-pounder will turn 25 this summer and is under contract for two more seasons. The Bengals may need to add a Day 3 pick to make this work, but don’t undersell how much value Hendrickson could have as a player who could have/should have won Defensive Player of the Year in 2024.
Indianapolis Colts – Hendrickson for Adetomiwa Adebawore and a 3rd-Round Pick
Adetomiwa Adebawore is definitely not a replacement for Trey Hendrickson, but he could be a nice piece of the rotation. The 6’2” 282 former Northwestern Wildcat is coming off a season where he had 34 pressures and 4 sacks in a half-time role.
The Bengals also pick up a 3rd-round pick to further invest in their future, while the Colts reunite Lou Anarumo with one of the greatest sack artists of all time.
What say you? What kind of deal do you think the Bengals could make in a tag-and-trade scenario? Send us your ideas in the comments!
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