After losing Carl Lawson in free agency, the Bengals made up for it by replacing him with Trey Hendrickson.
The Cincinnati Bengals saw Carl Lawson get a massive deal from the Jets and leave a glaring hole in the defense that Trey Hendrickson now fills. The former New Orleans defensive end will likely take Lawson’s place on the defense and provide a boost in the pass rush after signing a four-year deal worth $60 million with $32 million guaranteed in the first two years, per Ian Rapoport.
This may seem like a lot of money for a player coming off a breakout season with 13.5 sacks, helping lead New Orleans to the division title and a divisional-round playoff game before falling to the eventual champion Buccaneers.
But at the same time, the Bengals needed help on the defense. With the draft approaching and Cincinnati possibly looking to grab Oregon’s Penei Sewell to shore up the offensive line, it would be wise to have a key player on the opposite side of the ball. Furthermore, given how the game has evolved into a passing league, a good pass rusher is critical for success.
The signing of Trey Hendrickson can help the Bengals only if he continues to grow.
How does a player like Trey Hendrickson get better after a breakout season? The answer to that doesn’t require 30 seconds to think. Instead, it’s quite simple. Place yourself in the right position to succeed, and success will follow.
Currently, the Bengals run a 3-4 defense under defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. If they continue that scheme, Hendrickson will likely be used as an edge rusher. If they play a 4-3 look, he will be putting his hand in the ground and jumping off the line. Whatever the look, his main goal doesn’t change, and that’s to rush the passer.
The Bengals swapped Carl Lawson for Trey Hendrickson. Will this work out or not? Only time will tell, but at least Cincinnati was able to land a player that can get after the quarterback.