The Cincinnati Bengals are in a tough financial spot after pouring lots of money into their offense.
With Tee Higgins a free agent and Ja'Marr Chase's contract ending soon, the team gave both huge extensions at the same time. Now they are paying quarterback Joe Burrow, Chase, and Higgins huge salaries, leaving very little left for the defense.
More news:Bengals Reportedly Make Significant Progress on Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins Extensions
That makes the contract extension situation with star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson a bit complicated, as he also wants huge money. The team can only pay so many players.
Jeremy Fowler on ESPN claimed that Hendrickson could even go as far as sitting out the 2025 season if the two sides can't agree on a new contract.
Fowler also reported earlier in the week that Hendrickson wants more than $30 million a year, which seems like an insane number for the Bengals to reach given the contracts they just handed out.
Hendrickson is worth all that money, however, after getting 17.5 sacks each of the last two seasons and playing in all 17 games.
He has also made the Pro Bowl each of the last four seasons, showcasing elite consistency along with elite production.
Hendrickson is in the conversation for most important defender in the entire NFL, so it is understandable he feels he deserves a new contract.
If the Bengals were to move on from Hendrickson, the team would have a glaring hole at pass rusher, which they will likely address in the NFL draft.
At pick no. 17, there should be plenty of solid options in what seems to be a deep-edged rushing draft class.
Despite what seems like a difficult situation for the Bengals, they don't seem to be interested in trading the star pass rusher.
Fowler also reported earlier this week that the Bengals, "have not been overly eager to accept" trade calls for Hendrickson, meaning they still likely have faith they can work out a new deal.
Given the importance of pass rush in the NFL, it is understandable that the Bengals want to re-sign Hendrickson. However, the rest of the roster could start looking bleak if the team invests too much money in a few players.
However, with Joe Burrow at quarterback, the team has the ceiling to win the Super Bowl. They just need to do really well in the draft so they can roster talented but cheap players.
It will be interesting to see how this complicated situation plays out as the NFL draft approaches.
More NFL news:
Browns Could Trade for Young Quarterback Instead of Taking One in NFL Draft
Steelers Connected as Potential Trade Suitor for Talented Young QB
NFL Mock Draft 2025: Predicting the Entire First Round With Trades
Related Articles
Ravens' Lamar Jackson Seemingly Takes Major Shot at Bengals in Cryptic Post
Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins Leveraged Bengals Deals Through Ultimatum
Bengals Make Good on Joe Burrow Request, Sign Tee Higgins to Massive Extension
Ja'Marr Chase, Bengals Agree to Record Breaking Contract Extension
2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
This story was originally published March 20, 2025 at 4:54 PM.