The Cincinnati Bengals have been making headlines this offseason with their impressive roster additions, including the highly anticipated reunion of quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. However, despite these exciting moves, there is one warning that the Bengals should take seriously.
ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky has cautioned the Bengals about potentially trading defensive end Trey Hendrickson. In a recent segment on “Get Up,” Orlovsky expressed his concerns about the impact of such a move on the Bengals’ defense.
Last season, the Bengals’ defense was a major weakness, ranking near the bottom of the league in several key categories. This was despite the impressive performances of Burrow and Chase on the offensive side of the ball. With the addition of Hendrickson, who recorded 13.5 sacks with the New Orleans Saints last season, the Bengals were hoping to bolster their defense and become a more well-rounded team.
However, Orlovsky believes that trading Hendrickson would be a mistake for the Bengals. He argues that the team’s defense is already struggling and losing a key player like Hendrickson would only make matters worse. He also points out that the Bengals have already made changes to their defensive coaching staff, but that may not be enough to fix the issues.
Orlovsky’s warning should not be taken lightly by the Bengals. While it may be tempting to trade Hendrickson for draft picks or other players, it could have a detrimental effect on the team’s overall performance. Hendrickson proved himself to be a valuable asset to the Saints’ defense last season and could have a similar impact on the Bengals’ defense.
Moreover, trading Hendrickson would also send a negative message to the team and its fans. The Bengals have been making strides in the right direction this offseason, and trading away a key player would be a step backward. It would also raise questions about the team’s commitment to winning and their ability to make smart decisions.
On the other hand, keeping Hendrickson on the team could have a significant positive impact. His presence on the defensive line would not only improve the pass rush but also create more opportunities for other players to make plays. This, in turn, could lead to a more dominant defense and give the Bengals a better chance at making the playoffs.
In conclusion, while the Bengals have made some exciting moves this offseason, they should heed Dan Orlovsky’s warning about trading Trey Hendrickson. The team’s defense is in desperate need of improvement, and Hendrickson could be a key piece in achieving that. Trading him away would not only weaken the defense but also send a negative message to the team and its fans. The Bengals should prioritize keeping Hendrickson on the team and continue to make smart decisions to build a competitive and successful team.
