The Cincinnati Bengals appear ready to part ways with defensive end Trey Hendrickson following contract disagreements last year, as offseason trade discussions gain momentum. Director of player personnel Duke Tobin indicated that all possibilities, including tagging and trading Hendrickson, remain open heading into the offseason.
“I don’t throw anything on or off the table with Trey, and we’re excited about attacking this offseason. We have resources to attack the offseason in a big way, and we want to do that. In terms of how we’re going to do that, how we’re going to allocate our resources, you know, who is it going to be on, our own free agents, what’s our intentions there? I’m not going to get into that right here. It’s just not the time to announce that to the rest of the league, so that’s the best way I can answer that,”
Tobin said, via Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic.
Shedeur Sanders Poised to Compete for Browns’ Starting Quarterback Role
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken expressed confidence in rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ potential to claim the starting position by 2026, emphasizing Sanders’ playmaking skills despite his need for growth. Monken highlighted the natural progression expected of any first-year player as Sanders develops in the NFL.
“Sure he can,” Monken said, via PFT.
“I think what you see is elite playmaking ability — that’s in him. You’ve seen it, we’ve seen it. You saw it in college. You saw it on tape last year. Sure, there’s a ways to go, but what rookie isn’t? I mean, what first-year player doesn’t have a long way to go? So, I’m excited to get started with him and all of our quarterbacks and all of our players.”
Monken also indicated the team’s intention to finalize its quarterback starter before training camp begins, while acknowledging that decision will be made throughout the offseason.
“You would hope that that’s the case,”
Monken said.
“You would hope that by the time you get to training camp that the reps you’re giving to a quarterback is for your starter. Whether we get to that place, I don’t know. That will be determined in the offseason as part of it, just another part of the piece.”
Ravens Head Coach Discusses Lamar Jackson’s Role and Injury Prevention
At the NFL scouting combine, Baltimore Ravens’ new head coach Jesse Minter addressed questions about quarterback Lamar Jackson’s reduced rushing attempts in 2025, which fell to 67—the fewest in his career. Minter suggested an offensive approach that could limit Jackson’s rushing duties, prioritizing player safety without compromising competitiveness.
I don’t know that he needs to run more,
Minter said, via Bobby Trosset.
I actually think there’s times where he can run less if you build an offense that takes advantage of the under center, the downhill run game. Now that opens up a lot of boots and play actions. … I think there’s high-leverage moments where the quarterback’s willing to do what he needs to do to win the game … This is a franchise player. There’s a health element and a protection element that needs to be in place to where he’s not taking some of the hits he doesn’t need to.
Implications for NFL Teams as Offseason Approaches
The approaching offseason promises significant moves, particularly concerning Trey Hendrickson’s status with the Bengals. The team’s willingness to explore trade options indicates a strategic reassessment of personnel, affecting league dynamics. In parallel, emerging talents like Shedeur Sanders aim to solidify their roles, while established players such as Lamar Jackson may see their playing styles adjusted to balance performance and longevity.
Teams will monitor training camps closely for clarity on quarterback roles and defensive line compositions, with decisions in the next few months likely to shape competitive balances for the 2026 season. The management strategies discussed by officials like Tobin, Monken, and Minter underline the ongoing tension between player performance, health, and contract negotiations impacting NFL rosters.
Jesse Minter on Lamar Jackson:
"I don't know that he needs to run more. I actually think there's times where he can run less if you build an offense that takes advantage of the under center, the downhill run game. Now that opens up a lot of boots and play actions. … I think… pic.twitter.com/4V3CqqaW1Z
— Bobby Trosset (@bobbybaltim0re) February 24, 2026
