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Former NFL General Manager 'Significantly Worried' About Joe Burrow

Originally posted on The Spun | By Hunter Hodies | Last updated Mar 7, 2025 9:44 AM ET

The Cincinnati Bengals set out to keep all three of Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Trey Hendrickson but will likely fall short of their goal.

According to multiple reports, Hendrickson asked the Bengals if he could explore a trade and was told yes. He's been their best pass rusher and defensive player, so if he can find a trade partner, the Bengals will likely move him if they can get fair value back.

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has repeatedly told the front office that he wants them to do everything in their power to keep all three of Chase, Higgins, and Hendrickson but appears to not be getting his wish. It has ESPN's Mike Tannenbaum "significantly worried" about him.

"If I'm Cincinnati, I'm significantly worried about Joe Burrow," Tannenbaum said. "He sat down with ESPN and Laura Rutledge at the Super Bowl and he talked about in great detail about what players should get paid, cap numbers and cash flow, and you're tagging Tee Higgins, who we're looking at here for a second consecutive year, and Trey Hendrickson guys has 35 sacks over the last two years. He's 30 years old. He's high character. Those guys never, ever, ever, leave your building, ever. Tee Higgins needs to get paid, and if I'm Cincinnati, I'm worried about, is Joe Burrow all in here?"

Burrow is likely still all in since he is fresh off a big contract extension, but that doesn't mean he won't be disappointed if the Bengals trade Hendrickson.

Hendrickson was one of the best players in the NFL during the 2024 season, finishing with 46 total tackles, 17.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and six passes defended. He has compiled 17.5 sacks in each of the Bengals' last two seasons.

The Bengals will have to find a way to replace him via the draft or free agency if they trade Hendrickson to a team like the Washington Commanders, who could use another pass rusher.

This is shaping up to be another wild NFL offseason.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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