Cam Jordan tells Bengals to ‘empty the bag’ for Trey Hendrickson after back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons | NFL News
The Cincinnati Bengals face a crucial decision regarding star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, who remains in a contract standoff with the team. While Hendrickson continues his hold-in, one former teammate is publicly urging the Bengals to lock him down with a well-deserved extension. For Cincinnati, the situation could prove pivotal to both their short- and long-term success.
Cam Jordan calls on Bengals to pay Trey Hendrickson
During an appearance on Up & Adams, veteran defensive end Cam Jordan made his stance clear: the Bengals cannot afford to mishandle Hendrickson’s situation. Jordan, who played four seasons with Hendrickson in New Orleans, emphasized that Cincinnati should pay him what he’s worth before it’s too late.“He needs to be paid,” Jordan told Kay Adams. “Don’t let a guy like Trey Hendrickson walk. They’ve never had a pass rusher like Trey Hendrickson over Cincinnati.”Jordan referenced the lucrative contracts of elite defenders such as T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett, noting that Hendrickson’s production places him in the same category. Despite those comparisons, Hendrickson remains without the extension he is seeking.
Why Trey Hendrickson deserves Bengals extension
The numbers speak for themselves. Hendrickson has delivered back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons, totaling 35 sacks over the past two years. That level of production has placed him among the league’s most dominant pass rushers. For a Bengals defense striving to keep pace with AFC heavyweights like the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens, Hendrickson’s presence is critical.Cincinnati may have invested a first-round pick in defensive end Shemar Stewart, but as Jordan pointed out, proven production carries more weight than potential. “I get it, you picked up a first-rounder, but you have something proven. When you have something proven, you add to that,” Jordan said.
Cincinnati cannot risk losing Trey Hendrickson in AFC title chase
The Bengals have made significant investments in their offensive core around Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, but maintaining balance requires equal commitment on defense. Hendrickson’s consistency as a pass rusher is rare, and his ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks makes him indispensable.Also Read: Dillon Gabriel shows promise in Cleveland Browns’ preseason debut despite costly mistakesIf Cincinnati hopes to remain a legitimate contender in the AFC, extending Trey Hendrickson must be a top priority. As Cam Jordan emphasized, players of Hendrickson’s caliber do not come around often, and losing him would create a void the Bengals may not be able to replace quickly.
