Trey Hendrickson’s trade request is similar to Andrew Whitworth’s exit

How much have things changed?

Cincinnati Bengals star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson has requested a trade through his agent, citing that he wants more long-term security and not specifically more money.

While that may be the case, there is no denying that Hendrickson has outperformed his current deal. However, why would he sign an extension last summer just to demand a trade now?

After coming in second in the NFL in sacks last year with 17.5, Hendrickson certainly has a strong case for a long-term extension and a raise, but recent history shows the Bengals aren’t inclined to do that as Hendrickson approaches 30 years old.

It was reported by Tony Pauline that Hendrickson would like to remain with Cincinnati, provided they give him the contract he wants.

History also shows that even though Hendrickson has reportedly threatened to retire, the Bengals likely won’t trade him unless they get an offer they can’t refuse.

This isn’t the first time the Bengals have found themselves in this situation.

Before former left tackle Andrew Whitworth left for the Los Angeles Rams, he approached the Bengals about a contract extension. The way Whitworth breaks it down in the video below is something that Bengals fans could find concerning.

There is a lot to digest from what Whitworth said, but the key points are that he was tired of playing on contracts well below market value based on his performance and that basically the only person in the organization who would entertain it was owner Mike Brown.

Whitworth said that Katie and Troy Blackburn wouldn’t even discuss extending him but told him it was between him and Brown.

There are similarities between Hendrickson and Whitworth’s respective situations. The question now is whether or not the outcome will be the same.

Whitworth left in free agency, however. Hendrickson is still under contract in Cincinnati for two more seasons.