The 2025 NFL offseason is live, and some older stories have updated information. The relationship between the Cincinnati Bengals and last year’s sack leader is deteriorating, and a former Super Bowl-winning quarterback called out another. The news is hot around the AFC North.
Earlier this year, defensive end Trey Hendrickson was granted permission to seek a trade, as the Bengals do not want to extend him at market value. The team gave their top two receivers massive extensions, each receiving deals worth over $100 million, but it was their defense that cost them four games in which the team scored 30 or more points last season. Hendrickson led the NFL in sacks last season, and, headed into the final year of his deal, is seeking a raise and extension.
Hendrickson has yet to present any interest from other teams. Some don’t want to pay him $35 million a year, while others don’t want to give up anything in a trade for one year before giving him a new contract. The relationship with the defensive end and the team took another sour turn when Bengals representatives made some stupid comments publicly.
During the annual league meeting on Tuesday, Bengals executive vice president Katie Blackburn inadvertently admitted she doesn’t know how to do good business. Blackburn stated, “He should be happy at certain rates that maybe he doesn’t think he’d be happy at.” Hendrickson gave his response on The Pat McAfee Show, stating his disappointment in the comments and lack of communication.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has made sure to be in the spotlight this offseason, thinking he is the sun to the NFL solar system. Teams like the Giants grew tired of his shtick, and teams like the Vikings have publicly rejected his services. Rodgers has made Pittsburgh wait for weeks while he ensures his name in the headlines.
Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger generated buzz with his recent comments about Rodgers. When asked, Roethlisberger stated, “I think Aaron is secretly still holding out for Minnesota, which is why he hasn’t signed with the Steelers. Why else would you go throw with [Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf] and be working out and blast it to everybody that ‘I’m throwing to these guys’ but you wouldn’t sign?”
Big Ben has admitted that this is just his hypothesis, but it does have logic. Rodgers has expressed his desire to play for the Vikings above the remaining options, and is stringing along the Steelers, despite multiple lengthy meetings with the team. The Vikings have announced their plan to start quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who they drafted last season but have yet to play due to injury.
It’s disappointing to see such a storied franchise like the Steelers act this way, allowing a washed-up Rodgers to call all the shots. QB1 for Pittsburgh right now is Mason Rudolph, so Rodgers feels safe padding his ego through the media. The Steelers have announced they are comfortable letting this play out, but it just reeks of desperation.
The Bengals are comfortable starting the same offense while their defense is worse. The Steelers let both former quarterbacks, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, sign elsewhere. As sad as it is, the Steeles have allowed Rodgers to be the best choice, despite his ego and lack of accountability.
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