Listen Live
Walker Funeral Home Black Business Spotlight

Bengals Buzz: Contract Drama, Trade Rumors, and Off-Field Headlines

NFL: DEC 22 Browns at Bengals
Source: Icon Sportswire / Getty

It’s been a turbulent and headline-packed week for the Cincinnati Bengals, with contract talks, trade rumors, and locker room personalities all making waves.

Star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson has reportedly gone silent during contract negotiations, a move many see as a tactical play to underscore his value to the team. While sources confirm that communication between Hendrickson and the Bengals is ongoing, the quiet stance raises questions about how far apart the two sides might be in discussions.

Meanwhile, Joe Burrow is making headlines for a different reason—his absence from recent team activities reportedly due to his attendance at the Met Gala. The move has drawn mixed reactions from fans and analysts, with some questioning the optics of skipping practice during a crucial offseason stretch.

Trade rumors are swirling around linebacker Germaine Pratt, fueling speculation about possible defensive shakeups. While nothing has been confirmed, the noise suggests the Bengals may be open to making moves if the right deal comes along.

On a lighter note, rookie lineman Amarius Mims shared a humorous story about a nickname he picked up in the locker room, adding some levity to an otherwise tense atmosphere. At the same time, linebacker Maema Njongmeta turned heads with a powerful, heartfelt speech that reportedly resonated deeply with teammates and staff alike.

Beyond Cincinnati, the NFL is expected to announce its international games lineup, further expanding the league’s global footprint. Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders, now tied to the Cleveland Browns, is facing criticism from some analysts who say he’s being “set up to fail” in what they call an unstable offensive environment.

In more serious league news, former NFL player Kevin Ware Jr. has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for a disturbing and high-profile crime, adding a grim footnote to this week’s NFL headlines.

From contract chess games to emotional speeches and criminal justice updates, the NFL offseason continues to prove that football news never really sleeps.