The Cincinnati Bengals seem to be playing a risky game with their already struggling defense. Reports indicate that the team has granted Trey Hendrickson, last season's NFL sack leader, permission to seek a trade. This move comes as a surprise, considering the Bengals missed the playoffs largely due to defensive shortcomings.

Hendrickson, who turned 30 last December, delivered an impressive 17½ sacks in the 2024 season—a career high. Since joining the Bengals in 2021, Hendrickson has consistently been a force on the field, racking up at least 14 sacks in three of his four seasons and earning a Pro Bowl spot each year. Yet, it seems the Bengals are prioritizing their offensive stars, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, over defensive stability.

Chase, who snagged the receiving triple crown last season, is set to become "the No. 1 paid non-quarterback in the league," according to Duke Tobin, the team's director of player personnel. Meanwhile, Higgins received the franchise tag, and negotiations for a long-term deal are ongoing. Keeping these two receivers happy will undoubtedly cost a fortune, and Hendrickson's $19 million cap hit makes him the odd man out.

Joe Burrow, the Bengals' powerhouse quarterback, had an MVP-caliber season with 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdowns, distributing over half of those yards to Chase and Higgins. It’s clear Cincinnati is banking on Burrow and his favorite targets to carry the team forward.

Adding to the defensive woes, Sam Hubbard announced his retirement earlier this week at the age of 29, leaving the Bengals without another key defensive player. This double blow raises serious questions about how the team plans to patch up its defense while funneling money into its offensive stars.

Hendrickson, who started his career with the New Orleans Saints, struggled in his initial seasons before breaking out with 13½ sacks in his final year there. Since joining the Bengals, he has been nothing short of a revelation, making his potential departure feel like a gut punch for fans. If traded or released, his $16 million savings will likely be redirected to Chase and Higgins' contracts, but one has to wonder if this gamble will pay off.

With Hendrickson set to become a free agent after the 2025 season, the Bengals' decision to let him explore trade options may signal a shift in priorities, but it’s a move that leaves their defensive future looking murky at best.

Cincinnati Bengals News

Bengals' Defense Takes Another Blow as Sack Leader Trey Hendrickson Gets Trade Permission