Is there hassle brewing at the Cincinnati Bengals camp? Previously this yr, the group made a decision to position the franchise tag on star huge receiver Tee Higgins. It failed to choose prolonged for Higgins to ask for a trade, as there experienced been stories of discussions not getting area that would end result in a multi-12 months deal for the large receiver.
Now, just about 24 hrs in advance of the 2024 NFL Draft will get underway, the Bengals have been strike with a next star participant requesting a trade.
Adam Schefter reported on X that Pro Bowl defensive finish Trey Hendrickson has requested a trade from the group. Hendrickson is set to make $15 million this period but is reportedly on the lookout for more “lengthy-phrase” protection.
In accordance to Schefter’s write-up, “Bengals 3-time Pro-Bowl DE Trey Hendrickson has requested to be traded from Cincinnati, for each league resource. Hendrickson is due to make $15 million this time, and is looking for a lot more extensive-term safety than Cincinnati has been willing to give.”
Hendrickson is a single of the very best edge defenders in the recreation, as he secured a staggering 17.5 sacks in 2023, which is 1.5 at the rear of league chief T.J. Watt. Hendrickson has been a monster with the Bengals considering that he arrived in 2021, choosing up 39.5 sacks in the final three seasons. Hendrickson is a cornerstone piece of the Bengals’ protection, and getting rid of him would be harmful to that aspect of the soccer.
The extra troublesome nature of these trade requests is the Bengals continue to want to generate an extension for Ja’Marr Chase, who is arguably a major-5 broad receiver in the NFL. The team introduced on Wednesday they would be choosing up the fifth-calendar year possibility on Chase’s agreement, paying out him a confirmed $21.8 million in 2025.
Groups usually select up fifth-yr options in hopes they can operate out a very long-phrase offer. Chase is because of a prolonged-expression deal, and the Bengals will require to determine out a way to retain him and spend franchise quarterback Joe Burrow.
The hope was that the Bengals would enter the 2024 period and return to AFC dominance, specially with a balanced Burrow at the helm. Having said that, the crew may possibly be at a deep reduction if equally Higgins and Hendrickson get their would like granted and are traded to new groups.
The Bengals will have a lot to talk about in the next 24 several hours, as they could potentially offload equally gamers to other teams, and stack some significantly-necessary draft money. But should they trade Higgins and Hendrickson, they will have some glaring holes at the receiver and edge rusher position. There is no assure the draft funds they possibly obtain will change into starters who can switch their current star players.
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