The 3.5-sack outing earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Week and cemented a 17.5-sack league-leading total for te full season. He is the first Bengal to lead the league since sacks became an official statistic, all while tying for the league lead in quarterback pressures as well (83 with Myles Garrett).

The NFL sack leader just posted 17.5 sacks for the second-straight season and is consistently maxing out prime years entering his 30s. Hendrickson is Cincinnati's best defensive player and is the 11th-highest-paid defensive end in the NFL.

What else speaks to Hendrickson’s importance? The droves of trade ideas making the rounds, such a recent one that suggests the Chicago Bears could get him from the Bengals in return for a third-round pick, courtesy of Bear Report’s Andrew Freeman:

The Bengals did not make it to the postseason, but one of their best players has received some recognition for his performance in Week 18.

After requesting a trade to protest not getting an extension, Hendrickson proved his worth again during the season.

Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson recorded 17.5 sacks this season, taking the sack crown for the 2024 campaign. And he did so without much help elsewhere. Joseph Ossai finished second with five sacks, followed by defensive tackles B.J. Hill and Kris Jenkins with three each.

Historic seasons from Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Trey Hendrickson aren’t enough to get Cincinnati into the playoffs.

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson, named a Pro Bowler ... the first quarter of their NFL Week 18 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. He added 2.5 sacks later ...

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson's season total ... during the Bengals' NFL Week 18 win Saturday night in Pittsburgh. Hendrickson entered Week 18 tied with the Cleveland Browns ...

How gas prices have changed in Pittsburgh in the last week

Walker is a great place to start rebuilding this defense around Trey Hendrickson ... my thought is to bolster the defense. 21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State No drama.

And defensive end Trey Hendrickson won his first NFL sacks title, boosting his season total to 17.5 with 3.5 Saturday night against the Steelers.