This week on Matt and Willie Know Ball, your favorite ball-knowers discuss the idea of a Trey Hendrickson tag and trade.
Tagging a player does not mean you are on the hook for that money. Quite the contrary. You can rescind the tag at any time before it is signed, and Hendrickson will be in no hurry to sign it. He wants out. He wants more than a one-year deal. Hendrickson has no intention of playing another down for the Bengals, but they should not let him walk out the door for nothing.
Yes, he is in his 30s. Yes, he is coming off an injury. Yes, whoever acquires him is going to have to pay him a hefty fee. It doesn’t matter. He is still the top free agent. He is still a year removed from leading the league in sacks. He is still a guy who had 35 sacks in two years. No, they aren’t going to get what the Dallas Cowboys got for Micah Parsons. Parsons is 6 years younger and wasn’t coming off a season-ending injury. They can, however, get something.
It starts with a third. That should be the asking price: a third-round pick in 2026. If a few teams are interested in him for that, maybe it becomes a little more. Maybe a day three pick or a player is added. Maybe the third even becomes a second. Or maybe it goes the other way, and you only get a fifth-round pick. Who cares? It is something!
The idea that it could be Kenny Clark occurred to me until I saw his contract. If I have a choice between Trey for $30 million or Clark for $20 million, the Treys have it. But maybe the next unappreciated B.J. Hill type is out there somewhere waiting for his moment to shine. Like a peacock, you gotta let him fly.
We also talk about the Jalen Davis extension. Not only is it great news, but it was also the next thing that needed to happen before we get to Dalton Risner. Both Davis and Risner stepped in and solidified the team this season. They should both be very reasonably priced compared to what their contribution to the team is.
These are guys you’ve got to sign. There is no reason to create a need on your roster.
Be sure to subscribe to Bleav in Cincy to hear the latest from the whole crew on everything Cincinnati Bengals! In addition to Matt and Willie Know Ball, you’ll hear from the Orange and Black Insider, Bengal Jim and Friends, and Three-and-Out.
Who Dey!
See More:
