The Cincinnati Bengals ended their 2025 season with a disappointing 6-11 record, failing to secure a playoff spot for the third year in a row. Defensive struggles were a critical factor, as the team allowed the third-most points in the NFL. This was compounded by the limited availability of All-Pro pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, who appeared in only seven games due to core muscle surgery. With just one year left on Hendrickson’s contract and previous talks of a long-term extension stalling, the Bengals face the possibility of losing him to free agency in 2026. As a result, Cincinnati must explore options to fill the looming gap in their pass rush.
Maxx Crosby Emerges as a Top Target for the Bengals
NFL insider Logan Ulrich identified the Bengals among ten potential teams interested in acquiring Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby, who is reportedly seeking a trade. While the Bengals are not typically linked to high-profile trades, Ulrich noted the growing pressure on the franchise following three consecutive playoff misses during quarterback Joe Burrow’s tenure. He emphasized the urgency to strengthen Cincinnati’s defense, which has significantly weakened over recent seasons despite heavy investments in offense to support Burrow.
Ulrich highlighted Hendrickson’s uncertain future with the Bengals amid contract tensions, signaling a probable exit. On Crosby’s potential fit with Cincinnati, Ulrich stated,
“Crosby would be elated to play with Burrow, and he’d be the type of cornerstone player the Bengals could build the rest of the defense around.”
Assessing the Trade Implications and Value of Maxx Crosby
Sports Illustrated contributor Zach Pressnel weighed in on the valuation of such a trade, suggesting that securing Crosby would require significant assets, likely at least a first-round draft pick. He compared the situation to the Micah Parsons trade, which involved two first-round picks and Kenny Clark, though Parsons was younger and statistically more productive at that time. Despite the cost, Pressnel argued that the move could be justified given Crosby’s consistent performance as one of the league’s top pass rushers.
Over the last four seasons, Crosby has recorded double-digit sacks in three campaigns, missing single-digit sacks only in a year when he was sidelined for five games. Notably younger than Hendrickson, Crosby brings a more versatile skill set to the field. While Hendrickson excels as a pure sack artist, he has not played beyond 75% of the defensive snaps in any season since joining the Bengals in 2020, largely due to limitations against the run. In contrast, Crosby has participated in 90% of his team’s defensive snaps whenever healthy over the past four seasons, offering more consistency and a broader impact.
Challenges for the Bengals in Maintaining Defensive Competitiveness
The Bengals’ defensive decline has put considerable strain on the team, especially with Joe Burrow’s health challenges contributing to underperformance. As one of the franchise’s key advocates on defense, Hendrickson’s injury and contract issues cast uncertainty on their ability to rebound in the near term. With trade rumors swirling around Crosby, the Bengals appear focused on a swift rebuilding strategy aimed at shoring up their pass rush and restoring competitiveness.
Addressing the defensive flaws quickly is critical for Cincinnati to avoid further erosion of momentum under Burrow’s leadership. Should Crosby join the Bengals, he would provide a fresh centerpiece for their defense and could help reverse recent trends. However, the price and the long-term strategy behind such a move remain important factors moving forward as the team navigates the 2026 offseason.
