Baltimore Ravens fans have been enjoying an offseason struggle for some of their AFC North rivals. While they have brought in more talent and are ready for another competitive year, one of their division competitors seems to be taking steps in the wrong direction–the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Bengals have had a tumultuous offseason filled with contract negotiations, or lack thereof. While they got it right by extending star wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the team has struggled to get their defensive centerpieces locked into deals for the 2025 season. Rookie defensive lineman Shemar Stewart has been in a contract holdout due to a clause neither side can agree on, and 2024 sack leader Trey Hendrickson has yet to sign the new deal he deserves.
While the Bengals and Hendrickson have restarted negotiations, the likelihood of an extension remains unknown. Cincinnati prioritizes their offensive weapons, and with Hendrickson not being happy with how this offseason is playing out, a trade could be on the horizon.
Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report highlighted four three-team trades that could shock the NFL world before the season starts. Among those trades was the Bengals moving Hendrickson. The article assumes some of the best players in the league could be on the trade block. In the deal, Sobleski had Cincinnati dealing Hendrickson to the Indianapolis Colts, defensive tackle DeForest Buckner going to the Atlanta Falcons, and the Bengals receiving tight end Kyle Pitts.
“Finally, the Bengals get tight end Kyle Pitts in return. Granted, the 24-year-old has never lived up to his status as the fourth overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft. However, if negotiations with Hendrickson sour, Cincinnati is unlikely to get a player in return with as much or more upside,” Sobleski wrote.
This Trey Hendrickson trade would spell a comical end to the Bengals’ offseason drama
This Hendrickson trade could not be more fitting for the Bengals. Their priorities lie on the offensive side of the football, specifically the air attack, which led the league with 4,640 passing yards. The move could make their passing game even more unstoppable, but it is also for a player who could quickly disappoint Cincinnati fans.
In his rookie season, Pitts eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards and made the Pro Bowl. However, ever since, the former Florida Gator has been disappointing. He has not reached over 700 yards in the three years since, and a concerning drop tendency has followed him throughout his career. Teaming up with elite quarterback Joe Burrow and two dangerous targets in Chase and Higgins would open up the field and put him in a great position to succeed. However, he is going into the last year of his rookie deal, and his track record has not given the Falcons any reason to extend him.
The Bengals’ lack of love for the defense will likely continue to hurt them in the long run. If they cannot lock Hendrickson in on a lengthy contract, it might be the biggest mistake any team has made all offseason, and it would be music to the Ravens’ ears.