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4 hours ago
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Aside from taking care of their own players with contract extensions, the biggest goal of the Cincinnati Bengals' offseason was improving a defense that let the squad down in 2024.
Despite sporting an elite offense, the Bengals missed the playoffs on the back of their poor performance on defense. However, Cincinnati hasn't exactly done a ton to get better on that side of the ball, which is concerning.
Making matters more troublesome is the fact that it looks like Trey Hendrickson is on a crash course to being traded, as he and the Bengals are having major issues trying to work out a contract extension, as Hendrickson has revealed publicly.
With all that in mind, Clutch Points' Enzo Flojo is proposing a trade that would send New York Giants edge rusher Brian Burns to the Bengals.
Recall that Trey Hendrickson is mired in a contractual crossroads. His long-term future in Cincinnati is unclear. Even if he stays in 2025, the Bengals can’t afford to have their entire pass rush hinge on one veteran. Adding Burns gives them an insurance policy for Hendrickson’s possible departure. More importantly, it gives them a lethal duo now.
Ideally, the Bengals make this trade to pair Burns with Hendrickson, which would give Cincinnati a Super Bowl-caliber pass rush to compete with in the AFC.
But it's doubtful that would be the approach here considering Cincinnati just drafted Shemar Stewart, who is slated to start opposite the four-time Pro Bowler.
Unfortunately, it's moving in the direction of Hendrickson leaving and the Bengals having a massive void to fill. Burns would definitely help fill that if acquired, with the Florida St. product tallying eight or more sacks in each of his last five seasons.
So, why would the Bengals be willing to take on Burns' $141 million contract when they clearly have no interest in giving Hendrickson a big deal?
Well, Burns is three years younger, that's why. The only real explanation we can think of for not paying Hendrickson is the fact that he's 30 years old (31 in December).
That said, it would be very costly to acquire Burns. Not only would Cincinnati have to absorb his massive contract, the team would also have to give up a second-round pick, at least, to get a trade done.
The good news is, Burns is under contract through 2028, so that would soften the blow of parting with the draft capital necessary to make a deal.
As much as acquiring Burns would make sense for the Bengals if they trade their star pass-rusher, it wouldn't make much sense for the Giants to make this move.
It's all hands on deck in New York in 2025, as head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen are fighting for their jobs. We find it hard to believe the Giants will just trade away one of their best players in such a crucial season.
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