The Cincinnati Bengals continue making roster changes to capitalize on having Joe Burrow as their star and compete for a return to the NFL‘s top spots. It seems that in The Jungle, they understand that achieving great results requires bold decisions, even if they come as surprises.
Despite star quarterback Burrow’s request for the front office to make an effort to retain the team’s top players, several moves are reshaping the Bengals‘ roster ahead of the 2025 NFL season. Keeping expectations high makes it difficult to balance all of the needs of star players and make important strategic decisions.
Cincinnati’s defense is undergoing major changes ahead of the upcoming season. In recent hours, the Bengals lost one of Burrow’s teammates as guard Alex Cappa joined Pete Carroll and Tom Brady’s Las Vegas Raiders. Additionally, defensive end Sam Hubbard announced his decision to retire from professional football. Now, another key player has unexpectedly been given the opportunity to leave the team.
Bengals’ unusual final decision about future of Burrow teammate
The Bengals have granted defensive end Trey Hendrickson permission to seek a trade, meaning his future in the NFL will no longer be alongside Burrow in Cincinnati. This is a surprising decision, as he is an All-Pro player and the NFL’s sack leader. The news was reported by NFL insider Adam Schefter on his X account (formerly Twitter).
Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals
“It’s been an honor and privilege to represent Cincinnati over the last four years. I love this city and organization. I appreciate the privilege of now being allowed to explore my options,” said Hendrickson after de Bengals’ decision, according to Schefter.
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NFL News: Bengals part with Super Bowl champion as a sacrifice to help Joe Burrow in 2025
The details of the Bengals’ decision on Hendrickson
Hendrickson, who earned a Pro Bowl spot in the last four seasons, joined the Bengals in 2021 as a free agent. His contract runs through July 2025, but his situation does not align with the Bengals’ financial objectives. Trading the 30-year-old veteran would save Cincinnati $16 million in cap space, especially after placing the franchise tag on Tee Higgins to secure him long-term and with Ja’Marr Chase set to receive a lucrative extension.
