The Cincinnati Bengals have repeatedly stressed this offseason that they plan to lock up integral stars Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson. However, one of the three remains without a long-term deal.

Hendrickson has recorded at least 13 sacks in four of the last five seasons and would easily be the best pass rusher the team has seen since Colts legend Dwight Freeney. He would immediately overhaul what has been a disappointing pass rush for years.

The Bengals already had long battles at the negotiating table with receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, which is surely going to inhibit their ability to give Hendrickson a market-value contract. Chase reset the market when he signed a four-year, $161 million contract extension, the largest for any receiver.