The Cincinnati Bengals are confronting a critical decision in 2025 involving their defensive lineup, specifically the Trey Hendrickson contract solution and the possibility of trading for Micah Parsons. With head coach Zac Taylor under contract through 2026 and backed by past postseason success, the Bengals must decide whether to invest in proven veteran Hendrickson or pursue a younger superstar like Parsons in a bold move to sustain their championship window.
Despite ongoing questions about Zac Taylor’s job security in recent seasons, his unique resume—highlighted by a Super Bowl appearance and a subsequent AFC Championship game—has kept him in place longer than most. His leadership helped the team stay competitive even during quarterback Joe Burrow’s injury spells, reinforcing ownership’s trust. However, the pressure to capitalize on this team’s core players—Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins—has intensified as the Bengals aim to avoid the post-success downturns that marred their past decades.
The Franchise’s Historical Struggles with Sustained Success
The Bengals’ history after reaching pinnacle moments has been fraught with collapses, notably after their playoff runs in 1981 and 1988. Throughout the Mike Brown ownership era, the team struggled to maintain momentum, often relying on high draft picks and top quarterbacks who did not meet expectations, such as David Klingler and Akili Smith. Even Carson Palmer, who briefly revived Cincinnati’s competitiveness, eventually requested a trade. This systemic challenge creates immense pressure on the current management and coaching staff to build a roster that can consistently contend for titles.
Entering 2025, many believe this is the last genuine window for the original core of Burrow, Chase, and Higgins to compete at their peak. The emerging buzz around Micah Parsons signals a potential shift in strategy from Cincinnati, away from cautious roster management toward aggressive roster moves aimed at bolstering their defense with elite talent.
Micah Parsons: A Bold Trade Target?
The Bengals are reportedly exploring the possibility of acquiring Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys, a move that would dramatically alter their defensive landscape. Parsons, a four-time Pro Bowler and one of the NFL‘s most feared pass rushers, publicly requested a trade after contract negotiations with Dallas stalled. At just 26, Parsons represents a younger, long-term asset compared to veterans on expiring deals.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report notes the potential impact of landing Parsons alongside Burrow, Chase, and Higgins:
“Adding Parsons to a core that includes Burrow, Chase, and Higgins would help ensure Cincinnati is a perennial threat. Pairing Parsons with rookie first-round pick Shemar Stewart would also help ensure the Bengals have a quality pass rush for the foreseeable future.”
—Kristopher Knox, Bleacher Report
This shift toward acquiring a high-profile defender in his prime shows a willingness to deviate from Cincinnati’s traditional, more conservative roster-building approach. The Bengals are not only weighing the immediate impact but considering the long-term defensive stability Parsons could provide, especially when paired with emerging talent like Stewart.
Contract Challenges: Trey Hendrickson’s Future in Cincinnati
Amid these developments, the Bengals face a challenging choice with Trey Hendrickson, the team’s sack leader and key defensive stalwart. Hendrickson recently concluded a contract holdout, underscoring the tension surrounding his ongoing value and fit within the team’s financial plans. Despite eventually showing up to camp as a gesture of goodwill, Hendrickson has been clear about his uncertain future:
“the situation is still the same…”
—Trey Hendrickson
The Bengals have proposed a one-year extension valued at $21 million with $8 million guaranteed, which is notably less than long-term, high-market deals secured by comparable defenders. The hesitation stems largely from Hendrickson turning 31 this year, raising concerns about committing significant salary cap space to a player nearing the later stages of his prime, especially when a younger alternative like Parsons is available.
Comparing the Cost and Commitment: Hendrickson vs. Parsons
Kristopher Knox highlights the complexity of the Bengals’ predicament:
“The Bengals don’t want to commit to a 30-year-old defender long-term on a top-of-the-market deal. But they might feel differently about committing to a 26-year-old perennial Pro Bowler. Spending big to acquire a star and then locking him up isn’t the sort of move the Bengals typically make.”
—Kristopher Knox, Bleacher Report
If Cincinnati opts to finalize Hendrickson’s contract, they may secure short-term defensive strength but risk financial inflexibility that could preclude pursuing Parsons. On the other hand, trading for Parsons might require a significant leap of faith and front-office agility but could establish a cornerstone defender capable of anchoring the defense for years and revitalizing the team‘s championship prospects.
Strategic Implications for the Bengals’ Championship Aspirations
The stakes in this decision are high. The Bengals must weigh maintaining stability with a proven veteran against the prospect of transforming their defense through a major trade. Zac Taylor’s leadership and the ownership’s recent adjustments in team-building philosophy reflect a new urgency to strike while the current core remains intact.
This juncture could redefine the franchise’s trajectory—either by doubling down on familiar, trusted players like Hendrickson or by embracing an aggressive, youth-focused overhaul centered around Parsons. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see if the Bengals will stay within the traditional “Who Dey” mold or take the risk required for a Lombardi-level commitment.