Colts free agency: What do Chase, Higgins extensions mean for Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson?
With the Cincinnati Bengals agreeing to contract extensions with wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, what does this now mean for defensive end Trey Hendrickson and teams who might be interested in trading for him, like the Indianapolis Colts?
While this offseason Hendrickson was able to seek a trade as he searches for a new contract, the Bengals extending Chase and Higgins may help create a path back to Cincinnati for him.
According to FOX NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Bengals are signing Chase to a four-year deal worth $161 million, including $112 million guaranteed. Higgins is getting a four-year deal worth $115 million, with the first two years guaranteed.
Shultz would add that even with these lucrative wide receiver deals, the Bengals "still hope" to get a new deal done with Hendrickson, who is entering the final year of his contract. "It won't be easy but, they are not giving up there," added Schultz about Hendrickson and the Bengals.
Although both Chase and Higgins are receiving massive deals, from a salary cap perspective, the cap hit for both players in 2025 will actually be lowered from where they were at, which would help facilitate an extension for Hendrickson.
We don't know at this time how active--or not active--the Colts and GM Chris Ballard have been when it comes to inquiring about a Hendrickson trade. What we do know is that the Colts need a pass rush boost. Hendrickson has been one of the most productive pass rushers in football for several seasons, and he's had that success in Lou Anarumo's scheme, who is now the defensive coordinator in Indianapolis.
However, as we know, there are other factors in play when it comes to making a trade of this magnitude--if the Bengals even want to go down that path anymore.
It's not only about what draft capital is traded away, but the team also has to make room for a hefty contract and one that would require a contract extension as well. This obviously has a big impact on the future years' salary cap and can impact future roster decisions.
We will remain in wait-and-see mode when it comes to Hendrickson, and while nothing is in stone at this point, from what Schultz had to say, it does sound like the odds of Hendrickson staying in Cincinnati have increased with these two extensions.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts free agency: What do Bengals big deals mean for Trey Hendrickson?
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