A former NFL GM insists that the Cincinnati Bengals should be concerned about Joe Burrow’s future given how their offseason is unfolding.
Burrow, the franchise quarterback, has stated that he wants the Bengals to retain Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Trey Hendrickson. However, that request has begun slipping away, with Hendrickson exploring trade options.
The series of events sparked concerns from former GM Mike Tannenbaum, who sees Hendrickson surveying the market as Cincinnati’s entry into dangerous territory.
Speaking on ESPN, Tannenbaum expressed his concern about Burrow’s satisfaction in the long run.
‘If I’m Cincinnati, I’m significantly worried about Joe Burrow,’ Tannenbaum said. ‘He sat down with ESPN and Laura Rutledge at the Super Bowl and talked in great detail about player salaries, cap numbers, and cash flow.
‘And now, the Bengals are tagging Tee Higgins again while allowing Trey Hendrickson to seek a trade,’ he added. ‘Those types of players should never leave your building.’
“If I’m Cincinnati, I am significantly worried about Joe Burrow.”—@RealTannenbaum on the uncertainty in Cincy following Trey Hendrickson’s trade request pic.twitter.com/GCdTesrSaW
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) March 7, 2025 
A former NFL GM insisted that the Bengals should be worried about Joe Burrow’s future
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Hendrickson’s potential departure would leave a huge gap to fill in the Bengals’ defense. Despite being one of the most dominant defenders in the NFL in 2024, Cincinnati has given him the green light to explore trade options.
This past season, Hendrickson finished with 17.5 sacks, 46 tackles, two forced fumbles, and six pᴀsses defended. He also has 35 sacks over the past two seasons.
Although Burrow is tied to his lucrative contract extension, his influence on roster-building decisions appears narrow. According to Tattenbaum, the situation could lead to frustration in the locker room.
To support his forecast, he cited how other elite quarterbacks are receiving strong help in their rosters. ‘Tee Higgins needs to get paid,’ he emphasized.
If the Bengals trade Hendrickson, they must sign a high-level replacement through the draft or in free agency. With a lack of pᴀss rushers, the Washington Commanders could be a potential landing spot for Hendrickson.
