Three burning questions for 2025 Bengals

Of course, the Hendrickson situation doesn't have to end in a trade. The Bengals have a projected $85M in cap space for 2026 (per Spotrac), so they have enough flexibility to give the star defensive end the extension he desires. 

After giving WRs Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins a combined $276M, though, Cincinnati might not want to burn more cap space on a 30-year-old edge-rusher. This saga could drag out to the start of the 2025 season.

Will the offensive line improve?

The offensive line was one of the bigger issues for the Bengals last season. Cincinnati gave up the fourth-most quarterback hits (69), the seventh-most pressures (155) and ranked 21st in yards per rush in 2024. Protecting Burrow should be at the top of the list when it comes to the team's roster construction, but the Bengals haven't done much to address the concerns. 

Cincinnati failed to sign a difference-making guard in free agency. Center Lucas Patrick, who played for New Orleans last season, was the only outside signing this offseason, while tackle Trent Brown and guard Alex Cappa were shown the door. 

The Bengals probably must rely on Cordell Volson, who struggled mightily last season, or Cody Ford at one of the starting guard spots. Left tackle Orlando Brown, center Ted Karras and right tackle Amarius Mims must stay healthy for the Bengals to keep Burrow upright, and that might not even be enough.

How much will the defense improve under Al Golden?

The Bengals said goodbye to Lou Anarumo (now Colts DC) after his defense ranked 25th in points allowed per game (25.5) and yards allowed per game (348.3) in 2024. Golden, the former Notre Dame defensive coordinator, replaced him. The move from Anarumo to Golden is an upgrade on paper, but this won't be easy for the veteran coach.

Not only are the Bengals in danger of losing Hendrickson, last year's NFL sack leader (17.5), but they have already lost DE Sam Hubbard (retired), DT Sheldon Rankins (signed with Texans), LB Akeem Davis-Gaither (Cardinals), CB Mike Hilton (Jaguars) and safety Vonn Bell (free agent) this offseason. This defense might have less talent than last year's group, which was one of the NFL's worst last season, so Cincinnati needs Golden to work some magic in his first season in charge.