I actually like the move for them. They know they can field an elite-ish offense even with a bad OL as long as they’ve got weapons like Chase and Higgins.

I’m not sure they can retool the OL in one offseason given this FA market and draft class so they may as well hang on to Higgins for one more year. They have the cap space at the moment and could create more if they’re able to get a backloaded Chase deal done.

I did read reports that they are hoping to be able to sign Higgins long-term, though. I’m not sure if that’s the actual truth or just lip service to appease Burrow but I don’t think inking Higgins to a long-term deal will be the best route.

If Higgins wants to max out his money he must get out of there. He will never get max pay there as long as Chase is there.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bengals DE Sam Hubbard announces retirement from the NFL after a 7-year career. <a href="https://t.co/LvUAMGbmHw">pic.twitter.com/LvUAMGbmHw</a></p>&mdash; NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1897317601346568418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

oof

that team is falling apart

Only 7 years....

He is just about shot.
Oft-injured, skill/ability declining quickly due to the injuries.

He was due a big figure this year so it was inevitable he was going to have to take a major restructuring or paycut as well.

7 years is quick no doubt. But, it went out pretty well for him in my opinion:
- Local kid that got to play his career for his hometown pro team.
- Definitely one of the fan favorites over his career.
- Didn't have to get cut and play a year or two with another team at a severely diminished capacity.
- Had some definite memorable moments/big plays.
- The last play of his career was a TD reception on offense (that's pretty cool).

He was one of my favorite players on these recent teams.

Yep. Local kid. Appreciate everything he did but he's been hurt the last 2 years and it was time. Frees up a decent amount of cap too.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Bengals have taken the rare step of granting All-Pro DE Trey Hendrickson permission to seek a trade. “It’s been an honor and privilege to represent Cincinnati over the last four years,” said Hendrickson, the NFL’s sack leader. “I love this city and organization. I appreciate… <a href="https://t.co/7P7Hbe2Y9e">pic.twitter.com/7P7Hbe2Y9e</a></p>&mdash; Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1897743066720592111?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

They're basically the 03 Chiefs without a HOF coach.

Said that a few days ago.

Upscale Vermeil Chiefs.

Empty calories.

If they lose Hendrickson they're ****ed. Zero pass rush without him.

What a sad sack organization this is. Pathetic franchise that missed any small window they had.

Hendrickson is such a massive loss.

We are talking about an elite elite dude. He’s not Chris Jones, but he’s not all that far off either.

Trey is a BIG loss, but my favorite part of ANY Bengals offseason is when they bring Zac Taylor back for another year.LMAO

LMAO