Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
Getty
(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
The Cincinnati Bengals saw veteran pass rusher Trey Hendrickson leave as a free agent, but he decided to remain in the AFC North after signing with the Baltimore Ravens. Nonetheless, amid the offseason, Hendrickson reflected on his time in Cincinnati.
Hendrickson has totaled 171 tackles and 61 sacks in 72 career games during his time with the Bengals,per StatMuse. Moreover, Hendrickson’s time in Cincinnati also saw the team reach the Super Bowl in 2022.
Now, as he’s preparing to turn the page on the Bengals, Hendrickson appeared onthe March 26 edition of “The Set” and didn’t hold back his thoughts on Burrow and the team’s offense.
“I spent four years in New Orleans,”Hendrickson told host Terron Armstead. “We did not make the Super Bowl, and I was able to make one in Cincinnati.So it was special to go thereand win a lot of meaningful games and watch Joe Burrow. I was in the league watching him in New Orleans come up and win the national championship, then playing with him and watching himas a competitor. You knew he was destined for special things and still is.
“Over the last four years, I’ve been so motivated to continue to push myself to be the best I can be to help Cincinnati win games. It was a great chapter in my life, something I’m going to remember forever, and I made wonderful friends over the years. It’s been fun to come into my own there and leave my stamp on Cincinnati forever.”
Bengals Look to Replace Trey Hendrickson’s Leadership
Meanwhile, one player looking to replace Hendrickson’s leadership on the defensive line is Jonathan Allen. The veteran defensive tackle and the Bengals agreed to a two-year, $25 million contract,per Spotrac.
Over nine seasons with theWashington Commanders andMinnesota Vikings, Allen has totaled 469 tackles, 45.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries, and one interception,per StatMuse.
Moreover, Cincinnati is receiving praise for the move to add Allen from FOX Sports’ Eric Williams, wholabeled this signing as one of the Top 10 under-the-radar signings this offseason.
“Released by the Minnesota Vikings at the start of free agency in a cost-cutting move, the 31-year-old Allen brings grit and experience to a Cincinnati defense that struggled to get off the field all season,”Williams wrote in his article published on March 27.
“Even with one of the best quarterbacks in the league in Joe Burrow, the Bengals have missed the playoffs the last three seasons.Yes, Allen has struggled from aproduction standpoint in producing sacks,with just 12 over the last three seasons. But Allen should be more of an impact player as a situational pass rusher with a reduction in snaps.
“And the Bengals could use competency and versatility up front defensively. Allen joins formerSeattle Seahawks edge rusher Boye Mafe and safety Bryan Cook from Kansas City to add reinforcements to a Cincinnati defense that finished No. 30 in scoring last season.”
Joe Burrow Makes Major Admission for 2028
As for Burrow, he took part in the first Fanatics Flag Football Classic on March 21 and noted his desire to be an Olympic athlete, as flag football will make its debut as an official Olympic sport at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
‘” I’ve always wanted to play in the Olympics,” Burrow said prior to his Wildcats FFC team going 1-2 in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic round robin (h/tCincinnati.com). “I’ve never necessarily played an Olympic sport before, so when this got announced, I was pretty excited about it.
“The opportunity to win a gold medal (is) something that I’ve thought about — a moment like that — for a long time, since I was a kid. I think it would be something very special.”