Bengals reportedly considering bold trade decision with 81-sack All-Pro pass rusher originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Cincinnati Bengals are set up to add a lot of talent to their defense this offseason. While the offense is mostly set, the defense needs a lot of help.

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But, before the Bengals can begin adding players in free agency, in trades, and in the NFL Draft, they need to make a big decision on their 81-sack All-Pro pass rusher, Trey Hendrickson.

According to Tony Pauline of Essentiallysports.com, the Bengals are reportedly considering making a bold tag-and-trade decision with Hendrickson.

Bengals considering bold Trey Hendrickson trade decision

“While there have been several predictions where Hendrickson could sign in free agency,” Pauline writes, “people with knowledge of the situation tell me that it’s not out of the question that Cincinnati will attempt to tag and trade the nine-year veteran.”

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Hendrickson is set to be a free agent this offseason, but the Bengals instead could franchise tag him to a one-year deal worth around $30 million, and then trade him.

While Hendrickson could come back to the Bengals, with how last year’s negotiations went, the more likely outcome is that the Bengals will let him go this offseason.

Whether it’s simply letting him walk in free agency or if the Bengals tag and trade him to a new team, the 31-year-old veteran looks to be headed to a new team this offseason.

More: Bengals could upgrade safety room amid strong fit with Chiefs’ Super Bowl champion

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There are plenty of teams that need pass-rush help and would likely be willing to give up decent draft capital to add Hendrickson in a trade.

While it would be ideal for a team to sign him, the Bengals having the franchise tag at their disposal doesn’t bode well for Hendrickson hitting the open market.

This report from Pauline indicates the Bengals are, at the very least, considering a tag and trade. It’s a risky move, as they might not find a trade suitor that makes it worth it.

There’s no bigger decision for the Bengals to begin the offseason than what they do with Hendrickson. An extension doesn’t look likely, while a tag and trade or letting him walk seem to be the most likely outcomes with Hendrickson this offseason.

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