The Cincinnati Bengals‘ defensive line has been the focus of much of the offseason. The Bengals are counting on the unit to help propel a defense that was the primary cause of the team missing the playoffs last season.
Despite having glaring needs on defense, the Bengals’ front office used their resources this offseason to extend the contracts of wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Chase signed a four-year deal worth $161 million, and Higgins is staying for four years and $115 million.
Those contracts made paying Trey Hendrickson a difficult task. Hendrickson is seeking a new deal after registering 35 sacks in the last two seasons. He recently claimed the front office has not dealt with his agent directly amid Cincinnati allowing him to seek a trade.
Cincinnati Bengals have a troubling new injury
As expected, Hendrickson is not showing up to voluntary OTAs. The Bengals had more bad news for the defensive line on Tuesday when Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reported that defensive tackle B.J. Hill had his leg in a walking boot.
“Dax Hill (ACL) and Cole Burgess are on the rehab field. BJ Hill is here but his left leg is in a walking boot. He did not have that in open locker room last week,” Dehner posted on X.
Dax Hill (ACL) and Cole Burgess are on the rehab field.
BJ Hill is here but his left leg is in a walking boot. He did not have that in open locker room last week. pic.twitter.com/hb8MoJMdbD
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) May 6, 2025
The Bengals re-signed Hill to a three-year deal worth $33 million in March. He’s coming off a three-sack season in 2024.
With Hendrickson potentially on his way out of Cincinnati, the Bengals need Hill healthy on the defensive line. He’s recorded 341 tackles, 23.5 sacks, and two interceptions in his seven-year NFL career.
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