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Raiders on the Brink of a Game-Changing Trade for Trey Hendrickson
Las Vegas, NV — August 23, 2025
The Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly in advanced discussions to acquire All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson from the Cincinnati Bengals in what could be one of the most impactful trades of the 2025 NFL offseason.
Sources around the league have confirmed that the Raiders are emerging as the frontrunners for Hendrickson’s services after the Bengals granted the star defensive end permission to seek a trade earlier this offseason. The move came amid a tense standoff between Hendrickson and the Bengals over contract guarantees and long-term security.
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🔥 A Top-Tier Pass Rusher on the Move
Hendrickson, 30, is coming off consecutive 17.5-sack seasons, proving himself to be one of the league’s premier edge rushers. Despite expressing loyalty to Cincinnati and quarterback Joe Burrow, the veteran pass rusher has made it clear he’s seeking greater guaranteed money and long-term stability—something the Bengals have been hesitant to provide.
According to reports, the Bengals initially demanded a player plus a first-round pick, but that asking price has softened in recent weeks. League insiders now suggest a player and a third-round selection could be enough to get a deal done, particularly as the regular season draws near.
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💰 Why the Raiders Make Sense
The Raiders are uniquely positioned to make a move for Hendrickson. With nearly $35 million in cap space, Las Vegas can afford both the trade acquisition and the new contract extension that Hendrickson will likely require.
Team insiders say the move is being pushed by the organization’s aggressive leadership, including new part-owner Tom Brady, head coach Pete Carroll, and GM John Spytek. The trio has made clear their intention to build a defense that can compete at the highest level—and pairing Hendrickson with All-Pro Maxx Crosby would give the Raiders one of the most dominant pass-rushing duos in the NFL.
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🛠️ Possible Trade Scenarios
While the exact trade package remains under wraps, analysts have floated potential combinations. One popular mock deal includes tight end Michael Mayer and a third-round pick going to Cincinnati in exchange for Hendrickson. Others suggest the Raiders could leverage one of their depth defensive players plus a Day 2 draft pick to close the deal.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports that the Bengals are now “open to flexibility,” suggesting that a deal could be finalized as early as next week if both sides align on compensation and Hendrickson’s contract.
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😬 Contract Standoff Still Looming
At the heart of the issue is Hendrickson’s frustration with the Bengals’ unwillingness to offer guaranteed money comparable to what other elite defenders receive—such as Myles Garrett, Nick Bosa, or even Crosby himself.
This has led some insiders to speculate that Hendrickson’s trade request may also be a negotiating tactic, designed to pressure Cincinnati into budging. However, with the team already giving him permission to explore options, it appears the Bengals may be ready to move on.
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🗣️ Fan and League Reaction
Reaction across Raider Nation has been overwhelmingly positive. A recent fan poll showed that over 60% of fans support trading for Hendrickson, calling him a “missing piece” to a potentially elite defensive unit.
Meanwhile, some analysts warn the Raiders not to overpay, given the team’s other roster needs. Still, with the season set to kick off on September 7, pressure is mounting for Las Vegas to make a bold statement before Week 1.
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📅 What’s Next?
All eyes are now on general manager John Spytek and the Raiders’ front office as they attempt to seal the deal. If completed, the acquisition of Trey Hendrickson would mark one of the most significant roster additions since the team moved to Las Vegas—potentially reshaping the defense and signaling their intent to compete for an AFC West title in 2025.
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