The Cincinnati Bengals have been making headlines recently for their questionable decision to listen to trade offers for star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson. This move has raised many eyebrows and has been met with criticism from NFL analyst Trey Wingo.
Wingo did not hold back in his criticism of the Bengals, stating that they are playing with fire by considering trading away a player of Hendrickson’s caliber. He also pointed out that the Bengals have a generational Hall of Fame quarterback in Joe Burrow and have already invested in his top two targets, making this decision even more puzzling.
The Bengals’ decision to entertain trade offers for Hendrickson is a risky one, especially considering his impressive performance last season. In his first year with the team, Hendrickson recorded 13.5 sacks, which was second in the league. He also had 25 quarterback hits and 12 tackles for loss, making him a crucial part of the Bengals’ defense.
Hendrickson’s success on the field has not gone unnoticed, and many teams are reportedly interested in acquiring him. However, the Bengals must carefully consider the consequences of trading away such a valuable player.
One of the main reasons for the Bengals’ success last season was their improved defense, and Hendrickson played a significant role in that. Losing him could have a detrimental impact on the team’s performance, especially with the tough competition in the AFC North.
Furthermore, trading away Hendrickson would also send a negative message to the team and fans. It would show that the Bengals are not committed to building a winning team and are willing to sacrifice their best players for the right price.
It is understandable that the Bengals may be looking to make some changes and improve their roster, but trading away a player like Hendrickson is not the way to do it. The team should be focused on building around their young quarterback and keeping their top players to create a strong foundation for future success.
In addition to the potential consequences on the field, trading Hendrickson would also have financial implications for the Bengals. They recently signed him to a four-year, $60 million contract, and trading him away would result in a significant loss of investment.
The Bengals must also consider the impact this decision could have on Burrow. The young quarterback is coming off a season-ending knee injury and needs a strong supporting cast to help him succeed. Trading away one of his key weapons would not only hinder his development but also send a negative message to him and the rest of the team.
In conclusion, the Bengals’ decision to listen to trade offers for Trey Hendrickson is a questionable one. It not only puts the team’s success at risk but also sends a negative message to their fans and players. The Bengals must carefully consider the consequences before making any rash decisions. As Wingo stated, they are playing with fire, and it is essential for them to make the right decision to avoid getting burned.
