Overview

• ESPN’s Bill Barnwell predicts the Bengals could send Trey Hendrickson and a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Lions for a 2026 second-rounder, describing it as a short-term rental rather than a confirmed move.
• Cincinnati sits 2-4 with Joe Burrow out with a toe injury, and upcoming results before the Nov. 4 deadline are viewed as pivotal to whether Hendrickson is made available.
• Hendrickson is on a one-year arrangement for 2025 that sets up free agency after the season, leaving the Bengals to weigh a trade, a possible franchise tag, or the risk of a delayed compensatory pick in 2027.
• USA TODAY highlights additional potential fits if Cincinnati shops him, including the Eagles, 49ers, Cowboys, Colts and Jaguars based on pass-rush needs and scheme familiarity.
• Analysts note Detroit as a logical match that would pair Hendrickson with Aidan Hutchinson, with the proposed return offering Cincinnati immediate draft value if it chooses to pivot.