The figures simply do not add up. Trey Hendrickson ($22+ million), Tee Higgins ($20+ million), and Ja’Marr Chase ($30+ million annually) all require or merit new contracts. In terms of 2025 salary cap space, the Cincinnati Bengals have $46,567,407 available.
There would not be much left over for the other members of the team, even though some clever accounting would allow for the retention of all three. There are other options, but that does not constitute a winning combination.
Trading one of your stars would be one option. If you want to return to the playoffs and make another run at the Super Bowl, you probably do not want to mess with the Bengals’ offensive, which is among the best in the league.
There is a lot of work to be done as the military rebuilds. Therefore, the defense would be the most sensible location to make a change. Even if nobody wants to see Hendrickson go, consider the potential rewards in terms of draft money and cap room.
Additionally, it appears that Hendrickson is only interested in a trade or extension, so the Bengals might not have many options unless they want to take the chance of an in-season holdout.
Trade Restitution
This year or next year, the Bengals will at least receive a second-round pick in exchange for Hendrickson. As the two try to come to an agreement in the upcoming months, let us assume that no settlement is reached before this year’s draft.
In the 2026 draft, the Bengals ought to aim for a first-round selection. To make it happen, they might have to use one of their own Day 3 picks, but it is logical to assume that there is a team out there prepared to pay what they anticipate to be a late first-round pick for a genuine Defensive Player of the Year contender.
The best and most realistic deal Cincinnati could receive would be a second and a third or fourth-round pick.
The Right to Free Agency
Defensive ends, defensive tackles, and offensive guards are desperately needed by Cincinnati. In exchange for Hendrickson, what if you could have one of each?
The Detroit Lions may have the solution. Many of their prospective free agents would be great trade bait.
Originally chosen by Cincinnati in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, offensive guard Kevin Zeitler will be a free agency this season and is likely to sign a one-year, $8 million contract. Despite being 34 years old, the 6-foot-4, 340-pound Wisconsin product finished fifth out of 135 qualified guards with an overall Pro Football Focus grade of 86.8.
Levi Onwuzurike, a defensive tackle, is only 26 years old, 6′ 3″, and 290 pounds. With three sacks and an overall grade of 69.4, Onwuzurike finished the previous season in 33rd place out of 219 qualifying tackles. He may likely be acquired by the Bengals for $20 million spread over two years.
Mock Draft for the Bengals
The 2025 NFL Draft takes on a whole new meaning if the Bengals do really deal Hendrickson and if they are able to come up with anything close to the haul that is predicted above.
In any case, if this name is still available in the first round, Cincinnati will essentially run to the top of the list. You can never have too much quality on the defensive line. Positions of necessity will continue to be filled throughout the next two rounds.
No. 17: 6-foot-5, 265-pound defensive end Mykel Williams of the Georgia Bulldogs
Williams possesses a unique blend of agility, speed, length, and size. He is set up as a stand-up edge rusher or head-up over the center. All things considered, his adaptability makes him a fascinating prospect with a lot of promise.
Williams recorded two sacks in the SEC Championship victory over Texas and concluded the season with five sacks and two forced fumbles. At one point, he was being considered for the first overall pick, but an open ankle injury.
