Buccaneers Send the Bengals a Trade Offer They “Can’t Refuse” to Acquire All-Pro DE Trey Hendrickson After a Disastrous 3–6 Skid

Tampa Bay, Florida – November 3, 2025
Just hours before the NFL trade deadline, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reportedly made a blockbuster offer to acquire Cincinnati Bengals star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, league sources confirmed Tuesday evening. The move, if finalized, could send shockwaves through the NFC and instantly elevate Tampa Bay from contender to Super Bowl favorite.

⚡ Hendrickson Officially on the Market
After weeks of speculation, the Bengals are now said to be open to dealing Hendrickson — a three-time Pro Bowler and 2024 All-Pro — as their playoff hopes fade with quarterback Joe Burrow sidelined until December. Cincinnati sits at 3–6, and front office insiders reportedly see this as an opportunity to gain draft capital and reset the roster before the offseason.
Tampa Bay, meanwhile, has surged to 6–2 under head coach Todd Bowles, but inconsistency in the pass rush has been one of the few cracks in their otherwise balanced team. With Vita Vea, Haason Reddick, and Yaya Diaby anchoring the front, adding Hendrickson could turn the Buccaneers’ defense into one of the most feared units in the league.

“He’s the missing piece,” one NFC scout told ESPN. “If you’re trying to stop guys like Jalen Hurts or Dak Prescott in January, Trey Hendrickson is exactly the guy you want in your lineup.”

🏴‍☠️ The Buccaneers’ Bold Proposal
According to multiple reports, Tampa Bay’s front office, led by GM Jason Licht, has submitted a trade package including a 2026 second-round pick and a conditional 2027 third-rounder, based on Hendrickson’s playing time and sack totals.
While the Bengals haven’t confirmed details, insiders describe the offer as “aggressive” — one that reflects Tampa’s all-in mentality.

“They’re not building for next year,” an NFC executive said. “They believe their time is now.”

🗣️ Todd Bowles Breaks His Silence
Speaking to reporters Tuesday night, head coach Todd Bowles didn’t confirm the trade talks but couldn’t hide his admiration for the Bengals star.

“I’ve studied his game for many matches — his consistency, his motor, and his ability to elevate everyone around him,” Bowles said. “Trey embodies the kind of discipline and toughness we value in Tampa. He might be the piece I’ve been looking for to give Tampa Bay a real Super Bowl dream.”

Bowles paused for a moment, then added with a grin:

“I’ll just say this — if we ever get the chance to coach a player like that, you make it count.”

🔥 A Potential Power Shift in the NFC
If the trade goes through, it could redefine the Buccaneers’ ceiling this season. With Baker Mayfield commanding a resurgent offense and the defense poised for an upgrade, Tampa Bay would instantly join Philadelphia and San Francisco in the elite tier of NFC contenders.
As for Hendrickson, sources close to the player say he’s “open and excited” about the possibility of joining the Buccaneers, describing it as a “perfect fit for his style and mentality.”

🧩 Final Thoughts
The clock is ticking toward the trade deadline, and all eyes are now on Cincinnati’s front office.
If the Buccaneers pull this off, it won’t just be another midseason deal — it will be a statement to the entire NFL that Tampa Bay is going for it all.

Or as one anonymous player texted Tuesday night:
“You put Hendrickson in that defense… and nobody’s safe anymore.”