Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
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(Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images)
The Cincinnati Bengals are in extreme need of help on the defensive side of the ball.
Trey Hendrickson’s time as a Bengal feels over, and he has been a lone bright spot on the defense. They will have to replace him, and the prospect of signing potential free agent Rashan Gary has already been floated.
Bengals legend Andrew Whitworth wants them to shoot even higher, however. And the big man doesn’t care what it costs to acquire his target.
Bengals’ Legend Andrew Whitworth Calls for Team to Trade For Maxx Crosby
Maxx Crosby
GettyLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 07: Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders takes the field prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium on December 07, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
Whitworth doesn’t want his former team to screw around; he wants them go all-in. He explained his thought process on making a big move on a recent episode of the Fitz and Whit podcast.
“Defense would be a great place to start. If I’m sitting there going, ‘what do we got to do?’ We can’t miss. This is the most critical year in this era under Joe Burrow, in my opinion, of evaluation from that position on in the draft and free agency. ‘How do we add the defensive weapons that take us over?'”
He then keyed-in on Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby, which would be one of the biggest moves of the offseason in the entire NFL.
“Go get Maxx Crosby at all costs. Obviously that’d be a lot of capital trying to figure out how to get that worked out, but that would be the young guy tone setter, the example for your defense every single day.
Pay him the money, spend the draft pick the 10th pick, send it if you have to, put the example in the room.”
This would no-doubt be a win for the Bengals. It would probably cost some substantial draft capital, but that’s the price of a player like Crosby. Should things fall through all the way with Hendrickson, then Cinci will be forced to swing big.
Cincinnati and Trey Hendrickson Remain at Crossroads
Trey Hendrickson
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 21: Trey Hendrickson #91 of the Cincinnati Bengals reacts during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
The Cincinnati Bengals are at a crossroads with star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson.
They haven’t been able to come to a long-term deal recently, and he is set to hit the open market. Hendrickson has been one of the lone bright spots on a terrible Bengals’ defense.
While Hendrickson holds leverage for that reason, Cincinnati has leverage of their own. Hendrickson missed 10 games in 2025, something the Bengals can use to their advantage in negotiations.
Still, there is likely a team out there that will pay the asking price. Trey Hendrickson had only missed 2 games in 4 seasons in the years leading up to 2025.
If he is to walk, expect the Bengals to make a big move, like on for Rashan Gary or Maxx Crosby.