**NFL Trade Rumors Surround Bengals Again as Deadline Looms**
Rumors of a Vikings-style splash trade involving the Cincinnati Bengals have surfaced once more. However, the Bengals remain focused on their upcoming game against the Chicago Bears and the health of their key players as the trade deadline approaches.
Cincinnati has made it clear that defensive end Trey Hendrickson is not available for trade. Despite this, league chatter is shifting toward a different player—linebacker Logan Wilson—as teams explore the possibility of a late deal. According to ESPN, the Bengals have informed other clubs they do not intend to trade Hendrickson. Still, some within the league wonder if a loss to the Bears, which would drop Cincinnati’s record to 3-6, might change that stance.
Hendrickson has had a challenging season, dealing with a prolonged contract dispute before securing a late $13 million raise for this final year. He has recorded four sacks in six games but is currently doubtful for Week 9 due to a hip injury.
Separately, ESPN reports that standout linebacker Logan Wilson requested a trade less than two weeks ago. His request has generated interest from multiple teams, including the Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, and Indianapolis Colts, as the trade deadline nears. The market for Bengals defenders is broader than just these teams.
The New York Times has reported that several contenders—including the Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, Colts, and Philadelphia Eagles—have inquired about various Bengals defenders: Wilson, cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt, and, of course, Hendrickson.
For now, many teams believe Cincinnati has little appetite to move core pieces. This aligns with the Bengals’ front office track record of resisting midseason sell-offs unless the return is overwhelmingly favorable.
From a roster standpoint, holding firm makes sense for Cincinnati. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s scheme relies heavily on four-man pressure and versatile coverage. Trading Hendrickson would require premium draft picks and a clear plan to replace his snaps and impact. Meanwhile, Wilson serves a crucial role as the signal-caller at the second level. Any trade involving him would need to consider communication responsibilities, green-dot duties, and how quickly a rookie-heavy linebacker group could absorb his workload.
Contract and control factors also play a role. Hendrickson is on a one-year “win-now” deal with limited team control, while Wilson’s situation hinges on balancing value and fit if his trade request is honored.
That explains why interested teams are probing both Cincinnati’s asking price and willingness to move these players while watching Sunday’s games closely.
Injury updates add urgency to the situation. Both Hendrickson (hip) and Wilson (calf) missed practice on Thursday for the second consecutive day, putting their availability for Week 9 against the Bears in serious doubt. Should Hendrickson sit, younger players Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart would be next in line on the edge. At linebacker, the coaching staff has already prioritized snaps for rookies Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr.
With the trade deadline ticking down and key players’ health uncertain, the Bengals face critical decisions in the days ahead.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/nfl-rumors-bills-cowboys-colts-linked-bengals-trade-but-its-not-hendrickson
