Bengals Legend Delivers Blunt Take on Trey Hendrickson Amid Bengals’ Defensive Overhaul
CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 26: Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson 91 during the game against the New York Jets and the Cincinnati Bengals on October 26, 2025, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA OCT 26 Jets at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251026069
CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 26: Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson 91 during the game against the New York Jets and the Cincinnati Bengals on October 26, 2025, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA OCT 26 Jets at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251026069
The Cincinnati Bengals have changed things on defense this offseason. As Trey Hendrickson signed with the Baltimore Ravens as a free agent, the Bengals took in Dexter Lawrence II in exchange for the tenth overall pick from the New York Giants. Former Bengals legend Andrew Whitworth shared his thoughts on this at 'The Pat McAfee Show.'
Whitworth stated, “Here’s the reality to Trey Hendrickson. He’s a helluva player. But let’s go look where he’s ranked in the run game… and it ain’t up at the top.”
Hendrickson has been one of the most productive pass rushers, but his impact is not the same across every situation. Whitworth explained that teams can take advantage of that.
“You can run the football right at him all the time, anytime you want,” he said. “So when you’re dictating the terms on defense, that’s the reality.”
Syndication: The Enquirer Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson 91 walks for the locker room before the first quarter of the NFL, American Football Herren, USA Preseason Week 2 game between the Washington Commanders and the Cincinnati Bengals at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md., on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. Cincinnati , EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xSamxGreene/ThexEnquirerx USATSI_26876363
Syndication: The Enquirer Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson 91 walks for the locker room before the first quarter of the NFL, American Football Herren, USA Preseason Week 2 game between the Washington Commanders and the Cincinnati Bengals at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md., on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. Cincinnati , EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xSamxGreene/ThexEnquirerx USATSI_26876363
The Bengals’ move to acquire Lawrence reflects that approach. Lawrence is not just a pass rusher; he also gives them help in the run defense. Whitworth pointed to that difference while explaining the team’s thinking.
"To me, I think when you talk about a guy like Dexter Lawrence, you're talking about all three downs, how can we affect it."
Last season, the Bengals' total defense ranking was 31st with 380.9 yards per defense. This explains the issues with their defensive game, and as Whitworth backs acquiring Lawrence, he's not exactly slamming Hendrickson either.
Because he also said, "He (Hendrickson) is ranked at the top of the group when it comes to sacks and pressures of the quarterback, no doubt."
Trey Hendrickson Speaks Ravens Uniform Event
At the Ravens’ recent uniform event, which was also Hendrickson's first public appearance since leaving Cincinnati, the former Bengals DE shared a message.
“What an incredible honor it is to continue to play in the AFC North on the right side of the ball,” Hendrickson said during the event. “And I’m excited to get to work. Obviously, the uniforms are gorgeous … ready to get out there and get to work.”
Over the past two seasons, there were ongoing contract talks that never reached a deal. Despite his production on the field, the team did not meet the terms he was looking for, leading to his exit.
Hendrickson later signed a four-year, $112 million deal with the Ravens, showing how much Baltimore values his pass-rush ability. Even with injury concerns last season, the Ravens didn’t wait long to bring him in.
The Bengals, on the other hand, have made a clear change on defense. Hendrickson is now in Baltimore, and Lawrence steps into that spot in Cincinnati. Now it comes down to how both moves actually work during the season.
Do you agree with Andrew Whitworth? Let us know in the comments.
Written by
Anjali Thakur
Edited by
Rudra Dubey