Trey Hendrickson’s Trade Request Exposes Bengals’ Frugal Flaws

Trey Hendrickson, the Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive stalwart, has once again requested a trade, marking the second consecutive offseason he’s sought an exit from the Queen City. This situation shines a glaring light on the Bengals’ persistent problem: a reluctance to spend and retain top talent, hindering their chances of achieving true Super Bowl contention.

Hendrickson’s production speaks for itself. For the past two seasons, he’s tallied an impressive 17.5 sacks each year, topping the league in 2024. His consistent dominance on the defensive line is undeniable, making him a cornerstone of the Bengals’ defense. Yet, despite his All-Pro caliber play, the Bengals seem unwilling to meet his contract demands, leading to his repeated trade requests.

The Bengals’ struggles extend beyond Hendrickson’s situation. While they boast a talented roster, particularly on offense, their inability to consistently field a strong defense has plagued them. The article alludes to the Bengals potentially having "done significant damage in the playoffs" earlier this year if they could have collectively "play a lick of defense." The failure to beat a struggling New England Patriots team at home further underscores their inconsistencies.

These shortcomings ultimately defined the Bengals’ 2024 season: a team capable of dominating lesser opponents in December but ultimately ill-equipped to survive the crucible of January’s postseason. While they possess the offensive firepower to compete with top teams, like the Kansas City Chiefs (whom they nearly defeated in the 2021 playoffs), their defensive deficiencies consistently hold them back.

The root of the problem lies in the Bengals’ organizational philosophy. They operate like a "mom-and-pop operation" in a league increasingly dominated by teams with a Fortune 500 mindset. Unlike organizations like the Green Bay Packers, who find ways to remain competitive despite their smaller market size, the Bengals are overly cautious when it comes to player acquisition and retention.

The Bengals approach free agency with extreme hesitance, acting as if they face a "25% tariff" when trying to sign accomplished veterans. Hendrickson himself was a rare exception, acquired after a breakout season with the New Orleans Saints, a team similarly constrained by financial limitations.

Cincinnati’s reluctance to spend has created a precarious situation. While they wisely secured quarterback Joe Burrow with a massive contract extension, they’ve struggled to build a complete team around him. They’ve continuously sought capable offensive linemen, delayed a long-term deal with star wide receiver Tee Higgins (franchise-tagging him for a second time), and failed to reach an agreement with Ja’Marr Chase last year.

Chase, arguably the league’s best receiver, is poised to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. Director of player personnel Duke Tobin has acknowledged this, but the Bengals’ track record suggests they will attempt to navigate the situation cautiously, potentially jeopardizing their relationship with one of their most valuable assets.

Burrow has publicly advocated for the team to retain its key players, lamenting the fact that other organizations, like the Philadelphia Eagles, seem to have a much easier time doing so. However, the Bengals continue to chase positional pay scales, mirroring the approach of the Dallas Cowboys, rather than proactively securing their talent.

Tobin’s statements further highlight the Bengals’ dilemma. While he expresses a desire to retain their best players and add more talent, he also emphasizes the need to address other team needs, seemingly prioritizing breadth over depth and potentially sacrificing the opportunity to solidify their core.

Hendrickson’s situation underscores this point. Despite his exceptional performance and relatively reasonable salary of $15 million last season, the Bengals appear hesitant to offer him a long-term extension that reflects his value. They seem content to "run it back" offensively, hoping their scoring prowess will compensate for their defensive shortcomings.

However, their offensive success is not guaranteed, and relying solely on outscoring opponents is a recipe for disaster. Their defensive struggles were evident last season, as the rest of his defensive teammates combined for a mere 18.5 sacks. The team also just had starting linebacker Germaine Pratt issued one of his own trade request last month.

The Bengals’ decision to onboard Al Golden as their new defensive coordinator, despite his lack of NFL DC experience, adds another layer of uncertainty to their defensive outlook.

Hendrickson, at 30 years old, is in the final year of his contract, set to earn $16 million in 2025. While substantial, this figure undervalues his impact, suggesting he’s only 45% as valuable as Maxx Crosby, which is demonstrably false. A two-year extension worth $65 million would be a reasonable solution, especially considering Burrow’s willingness to restructure his contract to create cap space.

However, such creative financial maneuvers are rare in Cincinnati, where owner Mike Brown prefers to pay as he goes, avoiding the "interest payments" on salary cap credit.

The Bengals possess the potential for greatness, fueled by the talent of Burrow, Chase, Higgins, and Hendrickson. They came tantalizingly close to a Super Bowl victory three years ago. However, unless they embrace a more proactive and flexible approach to spending and player retention, their chances of conquering the NFL jungle remain slim. They must evolve from a "mom-and-pop operation" to a true contender, willing to invest in the talent necessary to achieve sustained success.