The Cleveland Browns already have one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL on their roster, Myles Garrett, and the option to add another top-tier pass edge rusher appears to be available to them.
While Cleveland was able to negotiate a new contract for their great pass rusher, their in-state opponent, the Cincinnati Bengals, is unable to do so, since relations between the two teams have deteriorated. In fact, Hendrickson went public on Monday, accusing the Bengals’ front management of failing to keep promises made to the defense and his representatives.
“There has been no communication between my camp and the organization following the draft. Prior to the draft, the offers did not reflect the vision we discussed or the promise made last summer if I continued to perform at a high level. Coaches are aware of these previous conversations. Rather of collaborating to get us to a point where I can rejoin the team, THEY have stopped talking. I have been eagerly expecting a resolution to this dilemma, but it is difficult to do when there is no discussion and an obvious lack of desire in achieving common goals.
Hendrickson has not openly demanded a trade yet, but the tone of his statements to ESPN does not create a positive picture of the situation unfolding across the state from the Browns.
If the two sides conclude that this working relationship cannot be repaired, Cleveland should seriously consider making an offer to bring Hendrickson on board. He and Garrett would make opposition quarterbacks’ lives miserable, and with to the picks acquired through the team’s draft day trade with the Jaguars, they could be grabbed for a reasonable price.
Hendrickson is under contract for the 2025 season, but he wants a new deal. If the Browns are ready to offer the Bengals a second-round pick in 2026, a third-round pick in 2027, and Cleveland’s 2026 seventh-round pick acquired through the Detroit Lions, they may be able to reach an agreement with their division foe.
Since joining the Bengals from the New Orleans Saints, Hendrickson has started 64 of 65 games and has posted remarkable stats. Hendrickson totaled 35 sacks over the last two seasons. Pairing a pass rusher like that with Garrett, a six-time All-Pro and former Defensive Player of the Year, would transform Cleveland’s defense into a formidable force.
If Hendrickson becomes available on the trade market, there should be plenty of interest throughout the league in acquiring him. That is the situation anytime a player of his quality starts publicly criticizing their present team during contract negotiations. The Browns would be well to stay informed about events between Hendrickson and the Bengals in the future so that they can capitalize when the time comes.
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