The first two dominos have reportedly fallen. Here’s what needs to come next.
The Cincinnati Bengals have reportedly agreed to long-term deals with their star wide receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Now, they have a top-tier quarterback in Joe Burrow paired with the best wide receiver duo in the league for the foreseeable future.
That’s great. However, there’s still plenty of work to be done.
Here’s a look at the Bengals’ top remaining priorities:
Extend Trey Hendrickson
The Bengals finished tied with the Colts for 26th in the NFL in sacks during the 2024 season. Trey Hendrickson accounted for nearly half of them. The best way to improve the pass rush is not by letting their only consistent pass rusher leave.
Hendrickson tested the market, and it’s clear—for now—that his trade value isn’t as high as the team had hoped. That could open the door for him and the front office to return to the negotiating table and work out a deal that benefits both sides.
If they can’t, trade him—but if they’re expecting a first-round pick, they’ll likely be disappointed.
Sign Two Capable Guards
The Bengals got below-average play from both guard spots in 2024. Neither Cordell Volson nor Alex Cappa provided consistent protection for Burrow (PFF credits the pair with 14 sacks allowed), and the team has already released Cappa.
They’ve re-signed Cody Ford, but he’s hardly reliable starting material.
The Bengals must address guard in free agency so they aren’t forced to spend early-round draft picks on a need instead of the best player available. The problem? The market is drying up.
Tevin Jenkins, Brandon Scherff, Will Hernandez, Dalton Risner, and Matt Pryor are among the few options left, and they won’t be available for long.
Sign Another DT/Edge Rusher
Even if the Bengals work out a Hendrickson extension, they shouldn’t be done revamping their defensive front. Duke Tobin has said he doesn’t want to just pay more money for the same 9-8 team — they need to improve the pass rush before the draft.
They re-signed Joseph Ossai, but that’s not enough.
The Bengals could target an edge rusher like Za’Darius Smith, Azeez Ojulari, or Matthew Judon, or they could pursue an interior defensive lineman like Calais Campbell. The draft is deep with defensive talent, but it would be ideal to avoid glaring needs heading into it.
Figure Out the Germaine Pratt Situation
Pratt has requested a trade. The Bengals have reportedly agreed to terms with free-agent linebacker Oren Burks, but he may be more of a replacement for Akeem Davis-Gaither than for Pratt.
The Bengals need an upgrade alongside Logan Wilson to get the middle of the defense back to where it was in 2021 and 2022. They could trade Pratt, though that will likely happen closer to or during the draft. There are several talented linebackers available in both the draft and free agency.
Upgrade the Safety Position
The safety position hasn’t been a strength for the Bengals since Jessie Bates III left for Atlanta after the 2022 season. Geno Stone and Vonn Bell didn’t work well together, and while Stone improved later in the season, the Bengals still have questions at the position.
Jordan Battle looks like a solid long-term piece, and it seems the team is content with Battle and Stone as their 2025 starters. However, an upgrade wouldn’t hurt.
Juan Thornhill and Justin Simmons are available and could make sense, but if the Bengals take care of everything above, this is just icing on the cake.
—
What did I leave out? Which priority do you think is most or least important?
Sound off.
