The biggest situation that Cincinnati Bengals have been keeping their eye on involves an edge rusher. Knowing how badly this team needs to prioritize defense, they’ve done nothing but push this 30-year-old away.
After an abysmal defensive performance in their preseason opener, a 15-win NFC team has their eye on a potential trade. Bleacher Report proposed one that would send the 2017 3rd round pick to an NFC powerhouse.
Bleacher Report Proposes Cincinnati Bengals Sending Trey Hendrickson to Detroit Lions
With Trey Hendrickson upset over his contract, the star edge rusher did agree to report to camp. Noting he doesn’t want to be a distraction, Hendrickson was one of two key contract disputes for the Bengals this offseason.
The other involved the team’s 1st round pick, Shemar Stewart. Stewart just made his NFL debut, as ESPN’s Ben Baby discussed his contributions in the preseason opener. Ultimately, fans were left far from pleased with the way their defense looked against the Philadelphia Eagles.
It’s hard for Bengals fans not to overreact to the team’s first preseason game. Even though Joe Burrow called himself “average“, he still went out there and scored two touchdowns with ease. Once again, it was the defense letting him down while Hendrickson sits on the sidelines.
Now, Cincinnati is faced with the realization of trading Hendrickson. It’s clear they wouldn’t get much for him due to the massive contract extension he’s seeking. Bleacher Report proposed Detroit sending a 2026 2nd-round pick along with a 2027 4th rounder to get the job done.
Even though they have Aidan Hutchinson, it remains to be seen if he’ll return at 100%. The Lions defense could use an extra boost to get them that Super Bowl they’ve been waiting for.
Trey Hendrickson’s Status for the 2025 Season
While he showed up to the Bengals training camp, Hendrickson has made it very clear he won’t be playing under his current contract. He has not changed his stance on the situation, though both sides remain far off on a new extension.
If the Bengals aren’t going to agree on a new deal with Hendrickson, they’ll have no choice but to trade him. Marcus Davenport may be the Lions key defensive signing, but he would be nowhere near the 35 sacks that Hendrickson brought to the table in his past two seasons.
Anthony Munoz and Chad Johnson both have strong opinions on the Bengals dilemma. While Munoz is a firm believer the team shouldn’t let Hendrickson walk, Johnson offered a different approach.
One preseason loss to the reigning Super Bowl Champions doesn’t indicate the type of defense the Bengals will be putting out on a weekly basis. Even though they gave up the second most yards under HC Zac Taylor, it’s only Week 1.
Obviously, the main way to improve this defense is by getting Hendrickson on the field. No one is gaining anything by having him not train on the field with the rest of the team. Knowing how important it is to avoid a slow start this season, their biggest puzzle piece remains sidelined.
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