Trey Hendrickson's holdout from Bengals minicamp on June 10 creates a crisis, while the team releases Germaine Pratt. Can Cincinnati fix its defense?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Mandatory minicamp is supposed to be about installation, repetition, and team building. But for the Cincinnati Bengals, Tuesday was defined by who *wasn't* there. All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson is officially holding out, skipping the mandatory sessions as he seeks a long-term contract extension, sending a shockwave through a defense already in transition.
I'm very appreciative of what Germaine has done for our team over the last six years. He has been a part of plays and wins that will be remembered forever by Bengals fans.
Trey Hendrickson's absence is more than just an empty locker stall; it's a gaping hole on the edge of the defensive line. Since arriving in Cincinnati, Hendrickson has been the engine of the pass rush, and his decision to hold out puts the front office in a tough spot. They must weigh the cost of a massive extension against the on-field cost of playing without their defensive MVP. With a tough schedule ahead, navigating these contract talks quickly and effectively has become the team's top priority.
While the Hendrickson saga unfolds, the Bengals made another significant move, releasing veteran linebacker Germaine Pratt. The move saves $5.8 million in cap space and officially signals a youth movement at the position. Pratt was a cornerstone for six seasons, racking up 616 tackles. Now, the spotlight shifts to rookies like Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter. Carter, along with guard Dylan Fairchild, tackle Jalen Rivers, and halfback Tahj Brooks, officially signed their rookie deals Tuesday, injecting a fresh wave of talent into the building.
Compounding the defensive uncertainty is a growing list of injuries. Key contributors like DEs B.J. Hill (foot) and Cameron Sample (Achilles), along with CB Daxton Hill (knee), are all questionable for the Week 1 opener in Cleveland. The list doesn't stop there, with TE Erick All (knee) and CB Lance Robinson (undisclosed) also facing uncertain timelines. The health of the lines will be a major storyline, with center Seth McLaughlin also nursing an Achilles injury.
Amidst the on-field drama, the Bengals scored a massive off-field victory. The team and Hamilton County reached a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on a new stadium lease. While details are still emerging, this agreement is a monumental step toward ensuring the Bengals remain in Cincinnati for decades to come. It's a comforting piece of long-term security on a day filled with immediate questions about the 2025 roster.
Tuesday was a whirlwind of major news, pulling the Bengals in opposite directions. The franchise's future in Cincinnati looks more secure than ever, but the immediate future of the 2025 defense is suddenly fraught with peril. Resolving the Trey Hendrickson standoff is now job number one, as the team cannot afford to enter the season without its defensive lynchpin. How the Bengals navigate this contract dispute, integrate their new rookies, and manage a lengthy injury list will define their path back to the postseason.
