Pay or trade Trey Hendrickson? The answer is very simple. Here's how things got complicated

The article discusses the ongoing contract dispute between the Cincinnati Bengals and defensive end Trey Hendrickson. Hendrickson, who had a breakout season in 2021, is seeking a new, lucrative contract, but the Bengals have been unwilling to meet his demands so far. The situation has become complicated, with the team facing the decision of whether to pay Hendrickson or potentially trade him. The article explores the factors that have contributed to the complexity of the situation, including the Bengals' salary cap constraints and their desire to build a sustainable, long-term contender. It also examines the potential consequences of either paying Hendrickson or trading him, and the impact it could have on the team's roster and future plans. Overall, the article highlights the delicate balance that NFL teams must strike between retaining their top talent and maintaining financial flexibility, and the challenges that can arise when a player's contract demands don't align with a team's long-term strategy.