The Cincinnati Bengals are preparing for their second preseason game on the road against the Washington Commanders. As they do, their best defensive asset, and the NFL’s defending sack leader, Trey Hendrickson, continues his hold in. With just one year on his contract, he is set to receive $16 million guaranteed in 2025 before he’s set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026.
Everyone has an opinion on the subject, and former NFL defensive tackle Marcus Spears isn’t an exception. He joined the Pat McAfee show on Wednesday, and he predicted the two sides won’t be able to come to a deal.
“I think this is for sure the last year for Trey Hendrickson in Cincinnati,” he said, adding, “He has been in a contract dispute forever, and the Bengals should have paid this man. I’m sure another team would love his services.”
The Bengals finished the 2024 season with the eighth-least amount of sacks in the league, and Hendrickson made half of them on his own. The team’s inability to get to the passer, outside Hendrickson, was partially responsible for the defense’s inability to get off the field. It also contributed to their 9-8 record and was one of the major reasons the fifth-ranked scoring offense was held out of the playoffs.
The Bengals did use their first-round pick on edge rusher Shemar Stewart, who had a contract dispute of his own. They also have Myles Murphy, another first-round pick at edge, and they re-signed Joseph Ossai. The team also fired defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and hired Al Golden to take his place. Without Hendrickson, the team’s only consistent pass rusher, the Bengals’ defense could be in a similar situation.
In a division with Aaron Rodgers and Lamar Jackson and a conference with Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, their ability to pressure the quarterback will be directly related to their chances of pushing for another Super Bowl berth.
If it hasn’t improved, Burrow will have to have a better year than the MVP-worthy performance he put up in 2024.
“Joe Burrow and that offense is going to have to score 45 points a game to win,” Spears added.
If Hendrickson isn’t extended, he’s not wrong.
See More:
