Potential Draft Omissions Pave Way for Trey Hendrickson Trade with the Bengals
Unfiltered Fresh Take:
The Cincinnati Bengals puzzled fans with some questionable draft picks in 2025, leaving everyone pondering their game plan. While it's clear the Bengals are after fresh talent, these draft moves might be all about creating some sweet cap space to secure a long-term contract extension for superstar pass rusher Trey Hendrickson.
Cincinnati has already tied down star wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins with long-term deals, but Hendrickson's future with the team is still uncertain. After nabbing Demetrius Knight Jr. for linebacker and Dylan Fairchild for left guard, the Bengals' front office might be planning to cut loose Germaine Pratt and Cordell Volson, resulting in a whopping $9 million in cap savings.
According to ESPN, "Cincinnati did not trade Hendrickson on draft weekend. A couple of selections could give them some extra cap room – the much-needed space if they want to give Hendrickson the long-term deal he's chasing." If second-round LB Demetrius Knight Jr. takes over Germaine Pratt, who's reportedly seeking a trade, and third-rounder Dylan Fairchild starts on left guard over Cordell Volson, both veterans could be shown the door.
Bengals still grinding on Trey Hendrickson contract extension
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The Bengals have set their sights high this offseason, wanting to extend contracts for Chase, Higgins, and Hendrickson, but the dough doesn't grow on trees, and Joe Burrow's $275 million deal from 2023 doesn't help things either. If Cincinnati can save some cash by waiving these veterans, it could be the key to securing Hendrickson's extension.
Given Hendrickson's stellar 2024 season – 17.5 sacks and All-Pro honors – making a mega deal isn't unreasonable. But it's going to be tough for the Bengals to make the math work. They've been pushing through negotiations and the draft might have handed them a solution.
Enrichment Insights:- Trey Hendrickson and the Bengals are still haggling over contract terms, and his contract extension remains unresolved.- Hendrickson has been adamant about seeking long-term security, resisting incentive-laden or short-term agreements.- Despite leading the league in sacks and earning All-Pro honors, Hendrickson's $21 million average annual salary ranks 10th among edge rushers, causing a bit of tension with his peers.- The Bengals focused on Wide Receiver extensions for Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, limiting cap space for Hendrickson's demands.- The draft strategy reflects the Bengals' confidence in either resolving Hendrickson's deal or transitioning to younger pass rushers.
- Conceivably, the Bengals' draft picks in 2025 are geared towards creating cap space for a long-term contract extension for Trey Hendrickson.
- Rumors suggest that the Bengals may be planning to cut loose Germaine Pratt and Cordell Volson, resulting in a $9 million cap savings, to help secure Hendrickson's extension.
- The draft strategy of the Bengals, who earned Mel Kiper's worst draft grades, could be a conceivable solution to making the math work for Hendrickson's mega deal.
- Despite earning All-Pro honors and leading the league in sacks, Trey Hendrickson's $21 million average annual salary ranks 10th among edge rushers, causing a bit of tension with his peers.
- The Bengals, who are still haggling over contract terms with Hendrickson, have set their sights high this offseason, wanting to extend contracts for Chase, Higgins, and Hendrickson, but the dough doesn't grow on trees.
