It looks like the Cincinnati Bengals are giving their fans exactly what they wanted this offseason! Last week, Joe Burrow’s team made waves by re-signing both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to four-year extensions. But that’s not all! Their massive deals – $161 million for Chase and $115 million for Higgins – set new records. Chase is now the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history, while Higgins holds the title of the highest-paid WR2 ever. Sounds perfect! And just when you thought it couldn’t get better, another rumor is coming up as a cherry on the cake.
Since Joe Burrow’s Bengals have already established their faith in Higgins and Chase, Trey Hendrickson’s future with the team remained up in the air. But perhaps, not anymore. According to NFL Rumors on X, “#Bengals are “fully prepared” to negotiate a new deal with Trey Hendrickson and a trade is “off the table.””
After the 2024 season wrapped up, Trey Hendrickson made it clear – he wanted a new deal with more guaranteed money. And he wasn’t willing to wait forever. Reports say he gave the Bengals a deadline: get it done before the 2025 season kicks off.
NFL RUMORS #Bengals are “fully prepared” to negotiate a new deal with Trey Hendrickson and a trade is “off the table” pic.twitter.com/5ucySsw5Rh
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) March 25, 2025
No doubt, Hendrickson is a top-tier edge rusher. But handing out a big contract, especially with so many other key decisions on the table at that time – like Chase and Higgins – was a tough task. So, instead of locking him in, Joe Burrow’s Bengals gave him the green light to explore a trade, per lan Rapoport.
However, now as per new reports of FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz, “The idea of a trade appears dead.” Yes! “The organization and ownership are fully prepared to move forward and attempt to negotiate a deal with [Hendrickson]… After talking to multiple people involved, they have now reached the conclusion that a trade is really off the table. Now it really becomes, can both sides reach a fair agreement? Can they come together and find a number that works for not only Trey but obviously the organization?”
The Bengals just made history by handing out massive deals to their receivers. And let’s not forget that QB Joe Burrow is still locked into his $275 million contract. So, what about Trey Hendrickson? This athlete dominated last season, leading the league with 17.5 sacks. Not just once, but for the second straight year. He’s been a defensive powerhouse, making four Pro Bowls and proving he’s one of the best edge rushers out there. So, if he hits free agency in 2025, teams will be lining up for him.
But Joe Burrow’s Bengals let him explore trade options earlier. However, let’s be honest – they never really wanted to move him. His asking price might be sky-high, making any deal quite difficult. Now, the question is simple. After locking in their stars on offense, can they find a way to keep their defensive ace, too? If yes, Joe Burrow and the Bengals can achieve their dream of keeping all 3 players on the roster.
Meanwhile, the Bengals are also trying to work on their offensive line to help Joe Burrow.
Joe Burrow could get some weapons from the draft?
Although Joe Burrow won a Comeback Player of the Year award last time, that doesn’t mean he is completely safe on the field. In November 2023, the quarterback suffered a right wrist injury, which led to surgery at the end of the season. Then about a year later, in December 2024, the gun-slinger sustained a knee injury, drawing serious questions on the offensive line of the team. Hence, the Bengals are eyeing on some of the draft prospects of 2025, to strengthen their offensive line.
According to Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network, Joe Burrow’s team has a pre-draft visit scheduled with at least three players. First is 6’6”, 331 pound Minnesota lineman Aireontae Ersery. And they’re not the only ones interested – at least 10 other teams are trying to bring him in too. So, clearly, there’s a buzz around this young tackle!
As per NFL insider Lance Zierlein, Ersery is powerful and quick off the snap, but he’s not the most natural mover. He thrives in power and inside zone schemes, using his length to keep rushers at bay. Some scouts see him as a right tackle project, someone who could develop behind Orlando Brown Jr. and Amarius Mims. He’s projected to go on Day 2 of the draft, so Joe Burrow’s team will have to decide if he’s worth the pick. But that’s not all.
Besides him, the Bengals also sat down with Boston College linemen Ozzy Trapilo and Drew Kendall. Trapilo, at 6’8”, 316 pounds, is a strong pass protector. He won’t bulldoze defenders in the run game, but his technique and size make him a solid option as a swing tackle. And who knows? Joe Burrow’s squad might even move him inside to guard.
Then there’s Kendall – a pure center. He’s the son of former NFL guard Pete Kendall, so he knows the game well. He’s technically sound, smart, and tough, but his physical tools don’t exactly stand out. Against bigger, stronger defenders, he might struggle. That’s probably why he’s projected as a late-round pick or even an undrafted free agent.
With the draft approaching, all eyes are on Joe Burrow’s Cincinnati to see how they build their trenches!
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