Bengals’ depleted defense could take major hit after they give sack leader permission to seek trade: report

The Cincinnati Bengals’ Defensive Dilemma and the Decision to Let Trey Hendrickson Seek a Trade

The Cincinnati Bengals faced a disappointing conclusion to their 2024 NFL season, narrowly missing the playoffs in large part due to their struggles on the defensive side of the ball. Despite these defensive woes, the team’s front office has shown little urgency in addressing the issue, raising eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. In a surprising move, reports indicate that the Bengals have granted permission for standout defensive end Trey Hendrickson to seek a trade. Hendrickson, who led the NFL with an impressive 17.5 sacks during the 2024 season, has been a cornerstone of Cincinnati’s defense since joining the team in 2021. His departure would leave a significant gap in the team’s pass-rushing capabilities, further complicating their defensive challenges.

The Bengals’ Prioritization of Offensive Weapons Over Defensive Reinforcements

The decision to allow Hendrickson to explore a trade seems to reflect the Bengals’ clear prioritization of their high-powered offense over defensive stability. The team has made it abundantly clear that retaining star wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins is their top priority, even if it comes at the expense of defensive talent. Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin emphasized this commitment at the NFL Scouting Combine, stating that Chase, who earned a receiving triple crown last season, is expected to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league. Higgins, meanwhile, has been franchise-tagged, and both sides are working toward a long-term contract extension.

Chase and Higgins were instrumental in the Bengals’ offensive success last season, with quarterback Joe Burrow leading the NFL in passing yards (4,918) and touchdowns (43). The dynamic duo accounted for 2,619 of those yards, and their production could have been even greater had Higgins not missed five games due to injury. While Burrow’s stellar performance earned him a fourth-place finish in the MVP voting, the team’s inability to make a deeper playoff run highlighted the need for a more balanced roster. By investing heavily in their offensive weapons, the Bengals are betting that their high-octane offense can carry them to success, even as their defense continues to struggle.

Trey Hendrickson’s Impact and the Financial Realities Behind His Potential Departure

Trey Hendrickson, who turned 30 in December, has been an invaluable asset to the Bengals since his arrival in 2021. After initially struggling to find his footing during his first four seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Hendrickson blossomed into one of the NFL’s most consistent pass-rushers in Cincinnati. He has recorded at least 14 sacks in three of his four seasons with the team and has earned a Pro Bowl selection each year as a Bengal. His contributions have been nothing short of exceptional, making the decision to let him seek a trade all the more puzzling.

However, the financial reality of the NFL often dictates such decisions. Hendrickson’s current contract carries a cap hit of nearly $19 million, and trading or releasing him would save the Bengals approximately $16 million. This savings is expected to be allocated toward securing long-term deals for Chase and Higgins, whose contracts will undoubtedly be expensive. With Hendrickson set to become a free agent after the 2025 season, the Bengals appear to be prioritizing short-term financial flexibility over the immediate need for defensive reinforcements.

The Retirement of Sam Hubbard and the Growing Defensive Void

The news of Hendrickson’s potential departure comes on the heels of another significant blow to the Bengals’ defense. Defensive end Sam Hubbard, a key contributor to the team, announced his retirement earlier this week at the age of 29. Hubbard’s decision to step away from the game adds to the growing sense of instability on Cincinnati’s defensive front. With Hubbard gone and Hendrickson possibly on his way out, the Bengals are facing a critical shortage of experienced pass-rushers and defensive leaders.

This defensive exodus raises significant questions about the team’s strategy heading into the 2025 season. While the Bengals have shown a clear commitment to their offensive stars, their inability or unwillingness to address defensive shortcomings could prove costly. If Cincinnati cannot find a way to shore up its defense, the team may find itself in a familiar position: boasting one of the league’s most explosive offenses but failing to make a deep playoff run due to defensive liabilities.

The Bengals’ All-In Approach on Offense and Its Implications

The Cincinnati Bengals are undeniably all-in on their offense, and their decision to prioritize Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins over defensive stalwarts like Trey Hendrickson reflects this commitment. While this strategy may yield short-term success, particularly if Joe Burrow continues to play at an MVP level, it also carries significant risks. The NFL is a league where balance is often key to sustained success, and teams that neglect one side of the ball inevitably face limitations.

By choosing to invest heavily in their offensive weapons, the Bengals are betting that their high-powered attack can outscore opponents and mask defensive deficiencies. However, this approach is far from foolproof. If the team cannot find a way to replace Hendrickson’s production or address the growing void on defense, they may find themselves falling short of their championship aspirations once again. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Cincinnati to see if their offensive-centric strategy can lead to the success they covet—or if their defensive neglect will prove to be their undoing.