The Cincinnati Bengals sure looked like a team in need of a defensive playmaker Monday night. The team pulled off a 31-17 win against the Washington Commanders in Week 2 of the NFL preseason, but turned in an all-too-familiar performance in the victory.
Without star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, the Bengals' starting defense was ripped apart by a Commanders run game that didn't even feature last year's starter. Brian Robinson Jr. was held out of the contest due to trade talks. Without him, the Commanders still managed to run the ball down the throat of the Bengals' starting defense.
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Washington's first seven plays were runs, five of which went for at least 10 yards. It was a disappointing showing, especially considering the Bengals are currently locked in a contract stalemate with their best defensive player.
Hendrickson spoke to ESPN's Laura Rutledge about his contract situation Monday, and while he offered some hope about a future deal, he made it clear there's still one major issue preventing him from joining the team.
Hendrickson said he and the Bengals are close on annual salary and length of his next contract, but the team's unwillingness to give him guaranteed money remains the sticking point. The Bengals are reportedly willing to guarantee money for one year of Hendrickson's next contract, but won't extend the guarantees beyond that. Until they are willing to grant that, it sounds like Hendrickson is willing to remain on the sideline.
The issue could be resolved before the start of the season, but it sounds like it could be close. When asked about Hendrickson's contract after the game, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow said the Bengals typically wait until close to Week 1 to hammer out a deal with players seeking new contracts.
The 30-year-old Hendrickson is seeking a new deal after leading the league with 17.5 sacks last season. It was the second straight season in which he's racked up 17.5 sacks. Since joining the Bengals in 2021, Hendrickson has blossomed into one of the best pass rushers in the game. He's made the Pro Bowl in each of the four seasons he's spent with the team, and is set to enter the final year of the contract. Hendrickson initially signed a four-year, $60 million deal with Cincinnati ahead of the 2021 NFL season. He inked a one-year, $21 million extension with the team in 2023 that will go into effect this season.
Throughout the entire offseason, Hendrickson made it clear he wanted to secure a long-term deal to stay in Cincinnati. He has not taken part in team training camp as he waits out the team.
While Hendrickson's reported comments Monday seem to suggest progress has been made on his next deal, the pass rusher is still willing to draw the line on the issue of guaranteed money. All the usual caveats apply about it being a preseason game, but the Bengals' performance against the Commanders early Monday night probably gave Hendrickson a little more ammunition in his future negotiations with the team.
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