Bengals QB Joe Burrow could lose key teammate heading into the 2025 NFL season

Joe Burrow is preparing to start a new NFL season with one clear goal in mind: reaching the Super Bowl. It won’t be an easy task, of course, especially after news broke that he could lose an important teammate on the Cincinnati Bengals if a contract situation isn’t resolved.

Trey Hendrickson has been one of the key pillars of Zac Taylor’s defense, earning the need for a contract upgrade with the franchise. However, according to the defensive end himself, such a deal is far from being finalized.

“No communication has taken place between my camp and the organization post draft,” the former New Orleans Saints player revealed in a recent conversation with ESPN.

“The offers prior to the draft did not reflect the vision we shared and were promised last offseason if I continued to play at a high level. Coaches are aware of these past conversations. Rather than using collaboration to get us to a point to bring me home to the team, THEY are no longer communicating.

“I have been eagerly awaiting a resolution of this situation, but that’s hard to do when there is no discussion and an evident lack of interest in reaching mutual goals,” he concluded.

What can we expect from the Bengals next season?

In what could undoubtedly be a pivotal season for the Bengals, Zac Taylor’s squad will look to gradually solidify its foundation in hopes of becoming a true contender in the AFC North.

First and foremost, it’s important to highlight the team’s ability to keep their offensive trio intact heading into the upcoming season—something the HC knows will be absolutely key. Joe Burrow will once again have two of his top weapons at his disposal in Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase, a pair of elite receivers who have both secured the necessary contract extensions.

Meanwhile, with the situation surrounding Trey Hendrickson still unresolved, Cincinnati’s defense looked to the NFL Draft for a potential replacement, selecting Shemar Stewart with the 17th overall pick. The edge rusher out of Texas A&M brings raw talent and upside to a unit looking to stay competitive in the division.

Can the Bengals recapture the ferocious form that took them to the Super Bowl just a few years ago? As the weeks go by, we may start to get some answers—but many believe this could finally be the year for Burrow and company.