Zac Taylor says Bengals not trading Pro Bowl defensive end Trey Hendrickson

The Cincinnati Bengals will not be trading Pro Bowl defensive end Trey Hendrickson, head coach Zac Taylor confirmed on Saturday night following the NFL draft.

Hendrickson, 29, requested a trade from the Bengals on April 24 due to concerns over his contract. Taylor said while he is open to listening to Hendrickson’s concerns, the franchise has no plans to move him to another team.

“I've got an open ear to him,” Taylor said. “I love Trey. I've told Trey that. We want Trey to play here next year for us. He's gonna play here next year for us. He's gonna have success, and we're gonna have success and I'm excited or that.”

Hendrickson’s trade request stems from his desire for more security on his current contract and believes his current contract doesn’t match the production he’s given the Bengals, his agent Harold Lewis told The Enquirer. He is scheduled to make $14.8 million in the upcoming season with his contract expiring after the 2025 season.

The Bengals and Hendrickson reached a contract extension ahead of the 2023 season in which the Bengals extended him one more season and gave him a $5 million bump in pay.

Hendrickson’s representation met with the Bengals this March seeking a long-term extension with the club as he wants more security and believes his performance on the field is worthy of such a deal. Following the meeting, the Bengals didn’t engage in any sort of conversations about an extension.

In three seasons with the Bengals, Hendrickson has recorded 39.5 sacks. He’s made the Pro Bowl in each season he’s played for Cincinnati.

Hendrickson's trade request is the second to come this offseason for the Bengals as wide receiver Tee Higgins also requested a trade and Cincinnati’s front office has made it clear that neither player will be traded.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Zac Taylor says Bengals not trading Pro Bowl DE Trey Hendrickson