One could debate for a long time whether the Bengals will care at all about what the Steelers do with T.J. Watt or otherwise. The fact Hendrickson was permitted to seek a trade and couldn’t find one, though, continues to hint that the Bengals hold most of the leverage, regardless.

The Cincinnati Bengals are trying to sign their star pass rusher, but if a trade is their last resort, it'd be smart to not make things any more complicated than they already have.

Hendrickson made it clear that he has no plans of playing this year on his current deal. The Bengals gave him permission to seek a trade in March, but opted to keep the All-Pro defensive end. Make sure you bookmark BengalsTalk.com for the latest Bengals news, exclusive interviews, insight, film breakdowns and so much more!