After months of uncertainty about an extension, the Cincinnati Bengals are resuming contract talks with star defensive end Trey Hendrickson. According to ESPN, there is some optimism between the Bengals and Hendrickson ever since the NFL Offseason came around, so a deal could come together in the next few weeks. However, nothing is a guarantee as the Bengals already paid Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins a long-term contract, so it’s hard to imagine the team will come up with an offer that will favor Hendrickson to return. Originally selected in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the former Florida Atlantic product is coming off an All-Pro campaign, recording 17.5 sacks, leading the league, so it’s no surprise that the defensive end probably wants the best contract.
Hendrickson has the chance to make history before the 2025 regular season begins. However, it will have to get ugly before it gets any better, as the Bengals are in the worst position to give Hendrickson what he wants. They are dealing with 2025 draft pick Shemar Stewart and their contract standoff, so it would be a huge blow if they lose two defensive pieces. After losing the sack leader during mandatory minicamp, it’s crunch time for the Bengals, and a trade seems more likely, even though there is some type of positive progression. If there was a lack of communication before, it might not please Hendrickson that the Bengals are finally getting things right, but will it be at the right offer he wants?
Breaking: Bengals Trey Hendrickson Contract Talks Resume – 4 Suitors Could Intervene
Possible Destinations
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders are in the best position to win a Super Bowl, but they can’t do that with just an explosive offense. They need some type of life to help key contributors like Frankie Luvu, Bobby Wagner and Dorance Armstrong. It’s been a disappointing offseason defensively as far as free agency moves. Javon Kinlaw signing with the team got some negative reviews, and Deatrich Wise coming in to replace Dante Fowler Jr. won’t do much to bolster this unit. Perhaps, if they can trade for Hendrickson, the Commanders should have one of the best defenses, similar to when Ryan Kerrigan was a part of this team.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, a reunion in New Orleans might make sense even though the New Orleans Saints don’t have the financial liberty to get the best defensive pass-rusher. Cameron Jordan is getting older, and Khalen Sanders isn’t a proven talent yet. Maybe they can figure out the cap situation and take a risk to invest in Hendrickson since they have a hectic offense that probably won’t win games between Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers need some type of change to help boost their defense. Between Teair Tart, Otito Ogbonnia and Da’Shawn Hand, the Chargers don’t have a superstar trenches to get them in the postseason. They have the cap space to make a change, and Hendrickson is there in front of you to make it happen. Hendrickson and Khalil Mack on one team could be the difference Jim Harbaugh is looking for to win in the trenches.
Carolina Panthers
However, the Carolina Panthers are in the best spot to improve after two disastrous seasons in the league. The team got Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown to help Derrick Brown in the trenches, while solidifying their pass secondary after signing Trevon Moehrig. Despite that, they could use some defensive front help, and Hendrickson could change this organization forever.
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