Fixing the Bengals’ Pass Rush, Part 2: What's Going On With Trey Hendrickson?
Let’s run it back-because the Trey Hendrickson conversation isn’t going anywhere in Cincinnati. Since the Bengals brought him in as a free agent back in 2021, Hendrickson’s name has been a constant in both stat sheets and offseason debates.
And now, with the Bengals’ pass rush under the microscope, the spotlight’s back on No. 91.
Hendrickson has been the heartbeat of Cincinnati’s edge pressure since he arrived, but questions about his contract situation and long-term future with the team are starting to bubble up again. Whether it’s restructuring, extending, or looking at alternatives, the Bengals are going to have to make a decision soon-and it’s one that could shape the direction of their defense for years to come.
Ken Riley and Willie Anderson Miss Out on Hall of Fame-Again
Another year, another heartbreak for Bengals legends Ken Riley and Willie Anderson at the Hall of Fame doorstep. This time, only four modern-era candidates made it through: Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Adam Vinatieri, and Luke Kuechly.
Brees and Fitzgerald were first-ballot locks-Brees for his surgical precision as a passer, and Fitzgerald for his ridiculous longevity and production. Vinatieri, one of the most clutch kickers in NFL history, and Kuechly, the do-it-all linebacker from Cincinnati, also earned enough votes in their second year of eligibility.
But for Riley and Anderson, the wait continues. It’s a tough pill to swallow for Bengals fans who know just how dominant these two were in their eras. The Hall of Fame case for both is strong-it’s just a matter of when, not if.
Bengals Mock Draft Roundup 4.0: Eyes on the Interior
The latest round of Bengals mock drafts continues to spotlight the trenches-specifically, the defensive interior. One name that keeps surfacing is a familiar one: a 3-technique prospect who didn’t quite match his previous production in 2025 but still put together a solid campaign.
His 72.2 overall grade from PFF in 2025 might not pop like his 83.7 and 87.6 marks from the two years prior, but the talent is still there. He’s the kind of player who can anchor the middle of a defensive line, and if the Bengals are serious about fixing their pass rush, adding a disruptive presence inside could be a major step forward.
Ja’Marr Chase Sends a Message to the Front Office
Ja’Marr Chase isn’t one to mince words, and he’s making it clear that he wants help on the defensive side of the ball.
“I’m pretty sure that everyone knows what we need,” Chase said. “I’m not going to say what we need but I talked to Zac about that…I’m definitely pushing to get something good for the defensive side, we just need something of course, you know, somebody.”
That’s a star player using his voice-and his influence-to try to shape the roster. And when someone like Chase speaks up, you’d better believe the front office is listening. He’s not just thinking about highlight reels-he’s thinking about winning.
Joe Flacco Wants Rule Changes for Quarterbacks
Joe Flacco, now with the Bengals, is voicing his frustration with a couple of rules that have long been a source of controversy: roughing the passer calls.
“I don’t think it should be roughing the passer when they land on us,” Flacco said this week. “I don’t think being slapped in the head should be roughing the passer.
It honestly annoys me because it affects games in a negative way at random times. They can call it or not call it.
It needs to get out of the game.”
Flacco acknowledged the league’s focus on player safety, especially with CTE concerns, but his point is clear-quarterbacks want consistency, not confusion, from officiating. And for a veteran like Flacco, who’s seen the rulebook evolve over the years, it’s not just about protection-it’s about keeping the game fair and competitive.
The Bengals are entering a critical stretch-one where roster decisions, draft picks, and even rulebook tweaks could all play a role in how this team shapes up for 2026 and beyond. From Hendrickson’s future to Chase’s calls for help, Cincinnati has no shortage of storylines. The question now is: how will they respond?