The Cincinnati Bengals addressed one of their biggest questions entering the 2025 NFL offseason, retaining both Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins with new long-term contracts.
While the front office got to work and responded to a strong demand from fans, they have yet to improve their weakest link: the defense. Trey Hendrickson, the 2024 leader in sacks (17.5), hasn't been offered a new deal after being on the trade block and for weeks before the Bengals opted against parting ways with him.
They also had Geno Stone, one of nine players with four interceptions last season, but again, the defense struggled to keep opponents quiet, relying on their overpowered offense to win games.
Against the pass, the Bengals ranked 29th in touchdowns allowed (30), 19th in yards allowed (4,016), while ranking 26th in rushing touchdowns allowed (20) and 18th in rushing yards allowed (2,122).
Hendrickson had pledged to skip all Bengals activities (even games) if he didn't have a deal done before minicamp, and he stuck to his word.
Cincinnati Bengals edge-rusher Trey Hendrickson
Cincinnati Bengals edge-rusher Trey Hendrickson
Albert Cesare-Imagn Images
Bengals reporter Kelsey Conway shared on Tuesday that Hendrickson won't attend minicamp and is subject to fines, while first-round pick Shemar Stewart will be in attendance but only watching, as he doesn't intend to practice until his contract is signed.
This situation sparked many reactions from fans, who criticized the franchise for being at risk of losing their star and promising defensive ends.
"If I’m a top prospect coming out the draft, I’d strongly consider spurning Cincy if they planned to draft me. This is too frequent with them," one fan said.
"Embarrassing," another fan said.
"The Bengals really look like idiots here," a third fan said.
"Joke of a front office," a fourth fan said.
"Can’t even get his replacement to practice lmfao next level ghetto from the front office," a fifth fan added.
"Tf is going on in Cincy." a sixth fan questioned.
Hendrickson is one of two big defensive stars seeking a new contract this offseason, alongside Dallas Cowboys' Micah Parsons. It's not clear what decision the Bengals will make here, as these two players remain reluctant to take the field until they ink a contract.