The Cincinnati Bengals have found themselves in a tough spot after losing Trey Hendrickson to the Baltimore Ravens. The move came as a surprise, especially given Baltimore's recent pivot from a Maxx Crosby trade due to a failed physical. Hendrickson's new deal with the Ravens is a hefty $112 million over four years, plus incentives.
So, where does this leave Cincinnati? The Bengals need to bolster their pass rush, and while trading for Crosby might be a fun twist, the real focus should be on quarterback Joe Burrow. A contract restructure for Burrow could free up over $19 million, according to OverTheCap.com, and Burrow himself has expressed willingness to make it happen.
The Bengals have never executed a contract restructure like this before, despite sitting on a projected $136 million in cap space for 2027. They could even consider restructuring deals for Ja'Marr Chase or Tee Higgins next offseason if necessary. The time is ripe for Cincinnati to make bold moves.
Cincinnati has done well to attract top-market defenders like safety Bryan Cook and defensive end Boye Mafe. Cook, a Cincinnati native and former Bearcat, was drawn to the Bengals regardless of the contract terms. Mafe saw a starting opportunity in Cincinnati that he wouldn't have had in Seattle, making his three-year deal more like a two-year audition.
However, the Bengals missed out on signing Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal, a move that seemed like a no-brainer given their past linebacker struggles. With linebacker options dwindling, restructuring Burrow's contract could open up cap space to secure a proven veteran.
Cincinnati has historically shied away from such moves, but now is the time to break the mold. The urgency is palpable: if the Bengals miss the playoffs for a fourth consecutive year, Burrow might seek a trade. This season is crucial, and leaving any stone unturned could mean falling behind in the NFL.
The landscape of contract restructures is shifting, with teams like the Bills, Ravens, and Chiefs making savvy moves to create cap space. Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Patrick Mahomes have all restructured their deals, setting examples that the Bengals could follow.
If Cincinnati wants to keep pace in the AFC North, they need to take decisive action. Restructuring Burrow's contract could be the key to making a significant impact this season.