The Cincinnati Bengals are facing a challenging offseason marked by a struggling defense and ongoing contract disputes involving key players like Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart. After missing the playoffs for the second year in a row, the team’s focus on offense over defense has drawn significant criticism, putting pressure on the front office to find solutions ahead of the new season.
Financial Constraints Force Bengals to Look Beyond Trey Hendrickson
Despite Hendrickson leading the league in sacks, the Bengals have not managed to secure a new contract for the veteran edge rusher. Major financial commitments to offensive stars Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins left limited salary cap space, resulting in unresolved contract talks with Hendrickson and tension with first-round pick Shemar Stewart. These complications have prompted some analysts to suggest Cincinnati shift its defensive priorities elsewhere.
Analyst Recommends Matthew Judon as a Potential Defensive Upgrade
USA Today’s Cory Woodroof recommends that the Bengals consider recruiting Matthew Judon, a four-time Pro Bowler whose career has outperformed his fifth-round draft status from 2016. Although Judon has not made the Pro Bowl since 2021 and experienced a down year with the Atlanta Falcons, he remains a viable option to strengthen Cincinnati’s defensive line, which ranked among the league’s weakest last season according to PFSN’s Defense+ metric.
Judon is the right guy for Cincinnati to bring in with so much uncertainty with the pass rush,
Woodroff wrote.
He could stand for a bounce-back season after a relatively down year with the Atlanta Falcons last season. The Bengals need him.
—Cory Woodroof, Analyst
Matthew Judon Could Benefit From a Comeback Opportunity in Cincinnati
Signing with one of the NFL’s prominent teams would offer Judon a chance to revive his career and potentially secure a lucrative final contract. For the Bengals, adding Judon may provide much-needed support for quarterback Joe Burrow, who was burdened by a lack of defensive backing throughout last season. A stronger defense could help Cincinnati break its recent playoff drought and improve their overall competitiveness in the upcoming campaign.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How fast is Trey Hendrickson?
A. Trey Hendrickson recorded a 4.65-second time in the 40-yard dash. He was a defensive end from Florida Atlantic University participating in the 2017 NFL Combine.
Q. How much will Trey Hendrickson make in 2025?
A. Hendrickson, who is 30 years old, will earn $15.8 million in base salary with a cap hit of $18.6 million in 2025. This amount is lower than what the best edge rushers make. Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt receive more than $40 million per year on average.