Cincinnati Bengals are 'very hungry' at June 2025 OTAs per Zac Taylor, aiming to rebound from 2024. Star DE Trey Hendrickson's contract holdout continues. Get the latest.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Monday, June 2nd, brought another day of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) for the Cincinnati Bengals, and head coach Zac Taylor didn't mince words, describing his 2025 squad as 'a very hungry group.' This hunger is fueled by two consecutive seasons out of the playoffs, a stark contrast to their Super Bowl run just a few years prior. However, a significant piece of that potential feast, star defensive end Trey Hendrickson, remains absent as contract negotiations continue.
It's a very hungry group. - Zac Taylor
After a disappointing 9-8 finish in 2024, the Bengals are clearly looking to reignite the fire that propelled them to recent success. Coach Taylor's comments to the media today underscored this sentiment. 'It's a very hungry group,' he stated, emphasizing the team's collective desire to improve and get back to playoff contention. The official team video highlights from the Kettering Health Practice Fields showcased players engaged in drills, a visual testament to the early grind. You can feel the intensity, even through a screen, as this team looks to put the frustrations of the past two seasons behind them.
While the overall team energy is high, the absence of Trey Hendrickson is a cloud hanging over OTAs. As the team's only truly productive pass rusher in 2024, his presence is sorely missed, both on the field and as a veteran leader. Hendrickson is entering the final year of his contract and is seeking an extension, a common situation but one the Bengals need to resolve. Without him, the defensive line has a significant void, and fans are anxiously awaiting a resolution. The longer this drags on, the more it becomes a distraction and a potential weakness.
Despite Hendrickson's absence, the work continues. The released OTA highlights provided glimpses of players honing their craft. Simultaneously, Bengals fans found some amusement in the developing quarterback situation up north with the Cleveland Browns. Following comments from Browns rookie QB Dillon Gabriel, social media was buzzing. This adds another layer of intrigue to the already anticipated Week 1 matchup against Cleveland, which will kick off the 2025 season for Cincinnati. Getting an early win against a division rival, especially one with its own set of questions, would be a massive boost for this 'hungry' Bengals squad.
As OTAs continue, the Bengals are building a foundation for a bounce-back season. The hunger is palpable, but the Hendrickson situation looms large. All eyes will be on how the team navigates these early challenges as they push towards a critical 2025 campaign, starting with a spicy Week 1 clash against the Browns.
