The Cincinnati Bengals' decision to roster eight offensive linemen and eleven defensive linemen for the 2025 season reflects strategic priorities shaped by past performance and current roster dynamics. This allocation, finalized during the August 2025 roster cuts, deviates from the NFL norm, where teams typically carry ten offensive linemen. The choice to keep only eight—Orlando Brown Jr., Amarius Mims, Ted Karras, Lucas Patrick, Dylan Fairchild, Cody Ford, Jalen Rivers, and Matt Lee—signals confidence in their starting unit but raises concerns about depth, especially at right guard, where injuries have historically been problematic. This lean approach suggests the Bengals are banking on versatility from players like Ford and Fairchild or plan to address depth via the waiver wire or practice squad elevations.

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Conversely, the decision to carry eleven defensive linemen, including six defensive tackles, stems from a deliberate focus on bolstering a unit that struggled last season, ranking 25th in yards and points allowed. Head coach Zac Taylor emphasized depth due to prior injuries, prioritizing players like Trey Hendrickson, Shemar Stewart, and B.J. Hill to fortify the front. This heavy investment aims to improve run defense and pass-rush consistency, addressing a weakness exposed in 2024. The Bengals' defensive overhaul, including new coordinator Al Golden, underscores a commitment to a robust front line, even at the expense of other positions like tight end, where they kept five players.

This roster construction reflects a calculated risk: sacrificing offensive line depth for defensive line strength. While the Bengals trust their offensive starters, led by Joe Burrow, the thin margin for error could be tested by injuries. Meanwhile, the defensive emphasis aims to elevate a unit critical to competing in the AFC North, balancing immediate needs with long-term potential.

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Trey Hendrickson's new deal with the Cincinnati Bengals marks the end of a protracted and contentious contract standoff that dominated the team's offseason. On August 25, 2025, the Bengals and the All-Pro defensive end agreed to a reworked one-year contract for the 2025 season, boosting his salary by $14 million to a total of $30 million. This adjustment elevates Hendrickson to one of the NFL's highest-paid edge rushers, aligning his compensation with his elite production. The deal includes $29 million in base pay, plus a $1 million incentive bonus if he plays at least 60% of defensive snaps and the Bengals reach the playoffs—thresholds he's easily surpassed in prior seasons.

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Hendrickson, who turns 31 in December, had been holding out since May, publicly stating he wouldn't play under his original $15.8 million base salary from a 2023 extension. Frustrated by stalled negotiations and the Bengals' reluctance to offer long-term guarantees, he sought a multi-year extension worth around $95 million over three years, but with insufficient security beyond 2025. The Bengals, known for fiscal conservatism, allowed him to explore trades in March and August, fielding offers from teams like the Panthers, Browns, and Colts, but no deals materialized. Instead, they prioritized resolving the impasse to bolster a defense that ranked poorly in 2024 despite Hendrickson's league-leading 17.5 sacks.

Since joining Cincinnati as a free agent in 2021 on a four-year, $60 million pact, Hendrickson has amassed 57 sacks, earned four straight Pro Bowls, and secured first-team All-Pro honors in 2024. His 35 sacks over the last two seasons underscore his value as the Bengals' premier pass-rusher under new coordinator Al Golden. This "prove-it" year keeps Hendrickson motivated, potentially setting up free agency in 2026 or a franchise tag. For the Bengals, it's a short-term win, ensuring their title aspirations remain intact with Joe Burrow's offense intact. Yet, the drawn-out drama highlights ongoing tensions in Cincinnati's front office, where star players like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins recently inked massive extensions. Hendrickson's deal, while lucrative, leaves his future uncertain, but for now, Who Dey Nation breathes easier.

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Craig Sandlin, Reid Maus, and Andrew Collinsworth react LIVE to the news of Trey Hendrickson's new one-year contract. They discuss the details of the new contract, who won the negotiation, and expectations for Trey.

Craig Sandlin and Mike Hart break down an ugly preseason game that saw the Bengals fall 41-14 to the Colts. They dive into the Desmond Ridders performance, defensive depth chart, and wide receiver battle. The pair then looks ahead to the season regular season opener at the Cleveland Browns on September 7.

The Cincinnati Bengals' defense showcased its potential during the final training camp practice on August 21, 2025, allowing just one touchdown in a 35-play scrimmage against a potent Joe Burrow-led offense. The lone score was a 42-yard seam pass to Isaiah Williams, but the defense otherwise stood firm, with standout plays like a batted ball by rookie Shemar Stewart and a fourth-and-goal stop by Kris Jenkins Jr. and Oren Burks. Defensive coordinator Al Golden praised the unit’s energy and competitiveness, emphasizing their ability to make game-changing plays like red-zone stops and takeaways, signaling a promising evolution from last season’s struggles.

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Joe Burrow has enjoyed his healthiest training camp yet, a stark contrast to previous years marred by injuries like a torn ACL, appendicitis, and a wrist issue. His uninterrupted offseason has allowed him to fine-tune the offense, highlighted by precise throws and audibles that exploit defensive looks. Burrow’s command was evident in a routine snap where he adjusted to a linebacker’s movement, showcasing his elite decision-making. This continuity has the Bengals optimistic about avoiding slow starts, with Burrow confidently stating he’s playing better than any quarterback in the NFL right now.

The right guard position remains a battleground, with Lucas Patrick, Cody Ford, and rookie Jalen Rivers vying for the starting role. Patrick, a veteran, has faced scrutiny after being replaced by Rivers in a preseason game, with his pass protection under question. Rivers, a fifth-round pick, impressed with strong run-blocking grades, while Ford’s versatility as a swing tackle adds depth. With Cordell Volson out for the season, the competition intensifies, as protecting Burrow is paramount for Cincinnati’s Super Bowl aspirations.

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This week, Colin Cowherd, host of FS1’s The Herd, expressed skepticism about the Cincinnati Bengals’ Super Bowl contender status despite their 31-17 preseason win over the Washington Commanders. Cowherd argued that the Bengals lack the organizational depth and structure required to compete with elite NFL teams. He criticized their frugal approach, particularly their handling of key players like Trey Hendrickson, suggesting they “pinch pennies” and fail to maximize their roster around star quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Cowherd stated, “It’s just too lopsided of an organization. It’s Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and everything else,” implying the team relies heavily on its stars without sufficient support.

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He compared the Bengals unfavorably to successful franchises like the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs, which boast strong ownership, coaching, and management. Cowherd highlighted the Bengals’ lack of a true general manager and limited scouting staff—four scouts compared to the Philadelphia Eagles’ 21—as evidence of their organizational shortcomings. He believes this lack of infrastructure hinders their ability to build a well-rounded team, especially as Burrow’s contract demands increase. 

Cowherd also noted that without Hendrickson, the Bengals’ defense could be among the league’s worst, a vulnerability exposed in their preseason performance. Despite Burrow’s leadership and talent, Cowherd warned that the Bengals’ failure to address these issues could lead to ongoing struggles, echoing his earlier prediction that Burrow might eventually demand a trade due to frustration with the team’s management. While acknowledging their talent, Cowherd remains unconvinced the Bengals are doing enough to capitalize on their window of opportunity, a sentiment that has sparked debate among fans.

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The Cincinnati Bengals' offensive line faces a significant setback with guard Cordell Volson's shoulder injury, which requires surgery and is expected to sideline him for the entire 2025 season. Volson, a three-year starter with 48 games under his belt, suffered the injury earlier this month, prompting head coach Zac Taylor to confirm the grim outlook during a press conference. This loss exacerbates concerns for quarterback Joe Burrow's protection, especially as the team manages other injuries like those to Lucas Patrick and Cody Ford.

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In response, the Bengals hosted free-agent guard Dalton Risner for a visit on August 19, viewing him as a potential plug-and-play replacement to bolster the line. Reports describe the meeting as "strong" and positive, but no deal was reached, with Risner set to visit the Seattle Seahawks and possibly the Pittsburgh Steelers before deciding. Risner, a veteran from the Vikings, could provide immediate stability if signed.

Meanwhile, Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson remains at the center of trade rumors amid a contract stalemate lacking desired guarantees. The Las Vegas Raiders have emerged as frontrunners, with Cincinnati seeking a young defensive player and a 2026 first-round pick in return. Joe Burrow downplayed concerns, expressing confidence in resolution, but negotiations have stalled.

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Last night, the Cincinnati Bengals secured a 31-17 preseason victory over the Washington Commanders, improving to 1-1. The game showcased a mix of offensive brilliance and defensive struggles, with wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley emerging as a standout. Tinsley, a 2023 undrafted free agent who signed with the Bengals in February 2025 after two seasons with the Commanders, stole the show in the first half. He hauled in five catches for 73 yards, including two spectacular touchdown receptions just 20 seconds apart in the second quarter. His first score, a 13-yard back-shoulder catch, and the second, a toe-tap touchdown, demonstrated his strong hands, body control, and field awareness. Bengals coach Zac Taylor called him a “baller,” and quarterback Joe Burrow praised his camp performance, suggesting Tinsley likely secured a roster spot despite the team’s deep receiver corps, including Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

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However, the Bengals’ first-team defense struggled significantly, continuing a concerning preseason trend. They allowed three touchdowns and a field goal in their first four drives, with Washington’s starting offense, led by Jayden Daniels, exploiting gaps. The defense’s performance was described as “listless” and “woeful,” raising concerns as the regular season nears on September 7. A bright spot came from linebacker Barrett Carter, whose second-quarter interception set up one of Tinsley’s scores, showing potential for the rookie.

Overall, while the Bengals’ offense, driven by Burrow’s efficient 9-of-14 passing for 62 yards and a touchdown, and Tinsley’s heroics, provided optimism, the defense’s inability to stop Washington’s starters remains a glaring issue. With roster cuts looming, Tinsley’s breakout performance may have cemented his place, but the defense needs urgent improvement.

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Reid Maus and Craig Sandlin discuss Joe Burrow playing hero ball, the Mitchell Tensley game, and more on this addition of Chatterbox Bengals.