The Cincinnati Bengals secured their first win of the season in Week 4 against the Carolina Panthers, but it came at a significant cost. Three-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Trey Hendrickson left the game with a neck stinger, adding to an already injury-riddled defensive line.
The Bengals’ defense has already been hit hard, with Sheldon Rankins and BJ Hill sidelined by hamstring injuries for the past few weeks. Before the season even began, rookie McKinnley Jackson and second-year defensive end Myles Murphy (knee) landed on IR.
Fortunately, rookie Kris Jenkins stepped up, playing with a club on his surgically repaired thumb, and Lawrence Guy, signed before Week 3, has also contributed. However, the potential loss of Hendrickson is devastating, as he’s been the team’s most effective—and nearly only—pass rusher this season.
Sam Hubbard has struggled, dealing with a hamstring injury, and Joseph Ossai has yet to realize his pass-rushing potential. Without Hendrickson, the Bengals’ pass rush looks bleak.
This is why the Bengals should urgently reach out to the New York Jets about disgruntled edge rusher Haason Reddick. Reddick, a 2017 first-round pick, was traded to the Jets for a conditional third-round pick in March 2024. After failing to secure a new contract, Reddick requested a trade and has been holding out, missing the entire preseason and the first few games of the season.
Though the Jets have claimed they won’t trade him, Reddick’s situation remains unresolved, similar to the Carson Palmer trade saga. The Bengals could offer the Jets a chance to offload a locker-room distraction and potentially regain their draft pick, while Cincinnati could mitigate the damage caused by Hendrickson’s injury.
If Hendrickson returns later in the season, Reddick could provide valuable depth in the pass rush, especially with injuries continuing to impact Hubbard and Murphy.
Despite not playing in 2024 yet, Reddick is coming off a 13-sack season in 2023 with the Eagles, earning two Pro Bowl selections and a second-team All-Pro nod in 2022.
Neither the Bengals nor the Jets hold significant leverage. Cincinnati is desperate, and Reddick has made it clear he won’t play for the Jets. This presents an opportunity for both teams to strike a fair deal.
The Bengals’ Super Bowl window is closing fast, and another string of losses could end their chances for the season. Joe Burrow has been one of the league’s most efficient passers, and it would be a shame if Hendrickson’s injury became the breaking point for their season.
While the Bengals rarely make in-season player-for-player trades, it’s time for them to consider offering a draft pick for Reddick. Taking action—even if costly—could be the difference between staying competitive or letting the season slip away.
At the very least, the Bengals should inquire about Reddick’s availability and see if a deal can be made. Doing something is always better than doing nothing.
What do you think, Bengals fans? Let us know!
