Philadelphia, PA – The Bengals’ contract standoff with Trey Hendrickson has opened the door to a bold idea — and now Philadelphia is in the crosshairs. League sources confirm Cincinnati has inquired about Nolan Smith Jr. as a possible return piece if trade talks move forward.

Smith, 23, has quickly built a reputation as one of the NFL’s rising young edge defenders. At 6-foot-2, 238 pounds, he’s smaller than Hendrickson but brings explosive burst, bend, and relentless energy that Philadelphia has leaned on opposite Haason Reddick. His arsenal — from ghost rushes to pure speed-to-power — makes him a nightmare for offensive tackles.

The numbers tell the contrast. Hendrickson piled up 17.5 sacks in 2024, cementing himself as one of the league’s premier pass rushers. Smith, by comparison, finished with 6 sacks, 42 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and 11 quarterback hits. While the raw production lags, Smith’s ability to drop into coverage (45 snaps last season) gives him versatility Hendrickson doesn’t often provide.

With contract talks at an impasse, the Bengals are listening to trade offers for four-time Pro Bowl DE Trey Hendrickson, sources tell ESPN insiders. No deal is imminent, but the NFL’s reigning sack leader is available for the right price.

Injury concerns complicate the conversation. Still, the traits draw comparisons. “Nolan isn’t Hendrickson in terms of sack numbers, but the upside is obvious,” one NFC scout told ESPN. “He wins with speed, leverage, and motor. He’s the kind of edge who could slide into Cincinnati’s system without losing much at all.”

Where Hendrickson dominates with violent first steps and raw edge pressure, Smith offers bend, athleticism, and the ability to play in space. He may not be the All-Pro closer Hendrickson has become, but his profile as a developing, versatile linebacker makes him a valuable chess piece.

The Eagles, however, would be reluctant sellers. Smith is still on his rookie contract and viewed internally as a cornerstone complement to Reddick. Trading him for Hendrickson — who is seeking a new deal — would create cap headaches and undercut Philadelphia’s long-term defensive core.

That’s why this rumor feels more like leverage than an imminent trade. By floating Smith’s name, Cincinnati signals they’re not just after placeholders; they want young, ascending talent to balance Hendrickson’s possible exit.

Whether Philadelphia even entertains the idea is doubtful. Moving a 23-year-old edge rusher on a rookie deal for a veteran with an expiring contract could be too steep a gamble. But the fact that Smith’s name has surfaced at all underscores how seismic this negotiation could become between two heated conference contenders.