Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) hangs his head on the sideline in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 9 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021. Cleveland kept a halftime lead to clinch a 41-16 win over the Bengals.

A potential trade scenario involving the Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys could see Trey Hendrickson swapped for Micah Parsons, reshaping both franchises. Parsons, frustrated with stalled contract talks, has publicly requested a trade, presenting a rare opportunity for the franchise to acquire a game-changing defender.

Hendrickson, Cincinnati’s reigning sack leader, has been in a contract dispute, with the franchise hesitant to commit long-term to the 30-year-old pass rusher. While Hendrickson has reported to camp, his future remains uncertain as the team weighs its options. Acquiring Parsons, six years younger and already a four-time Pro Bowler, would offer a long-term solution for Cincinnati’s defensive needs.

Cincinnati has traditionally relied on a conservative approach to roster construction, but Parsons’ availability could signal a shift to more aggressive team-building. Adding him to a core that includes Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins would solidify Cincinnati’s status as a perennial contender. By pairing Parsons with rookie Shemar Stewart, the team could create a formidable pass-rushing duo for years to come.

For the Cowboys, trading Parsons would help them restock their roster with valuable assets. A potential deal involving Hendrickson and multiple draft picks would allow Dallas to address immediate needs while avoiding a lengthy contract standoff. This move could also provide financial flexibility for the Cowboys to rebuild their roster.

NFL Analysis Projects Cincinnati Bengals Trading Trey Hendrickson for Micah Parsons

Hendrickson may be on the way out of Cincinnati for Parsons. This is detailed more in an analysis by Kristopher Knox for Bleacher Report.

Lions Get: Edge Micah Parsons, 2026 5th-round pick

Cowboys Get: 2026 1st-round pick, 2026 2nd-round pick, 2027 1st-round pick, 2026 3rd-round pick, Edge Marcus Davenport

Could the Lions justify paying two young pass-rushers in excess of $40 million annually? Maybe not, and Cincinnati Bengals edge-rusher Trey Hendrickson remains a more realistic trade target for Detroit. However, Cincinnati also serves as an example of a team investing heavily in one position.

The Bengals gave receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, respectively, extensions worth $40.3 million and $28.8 million per year this offseason. The Lions could justify paying Hutchinson and Parsons if it meant an open Super Bowl for the next four or five seasons.

The trade would mark a bold departure for Cincinnati, signaling a willingness to move beyond their traditional strategies. Parsons’ youth and elite production make him an ideal fit for a team aiming to maximize its championship window.

If executed, this blockbuster deal could redefine both teams’ futures. For Cincinnati, it represents a chance to elevate its defense and chase a Super Bowl, while Dallas gains the resources to retool for sustained success.