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Following a Super Bowl loss that stunned fans, the odds were beginning to stack against the Kansas City Chiefs being able to continue their dynasty. The loss marked the second in five tries under Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes, with the Philadelphia Eagles truly exposing all of the Chiefs' weaknesses. That set in motion a crucial offseason where the front office needed to nail free agency and the NFL Draft. Fortunately, they did.
General manager Brett Veach made some sacrifices in free agency but worked to shake up the offensive line, bring back some key pieces and plug a couple of holes. Then came the draft, where Veach's plan was universally praised. The front office has set up Reid for success once again. A renovation of sorts was needed due to the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens making shrewd moves in the offseason once again. While all of that happens, arguably the Chiefs' toughest AFC rival, the Cincinnati Bengals, are on the verge of implosion.
Everything seemed copacetic and looking bright for the future following big contract extensions for Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Star rusher Trey Hendrickson's trade request threat appeared to be settled. But as has become tradition with the Bengals, everything changed once camp started.
Trey Hendrickson's contract drama with Bengals reaches new heights
Hendrickson arrived at camp on Tuesday, but something has dramatically changed. Head coach Zac Taylor threatened to fine Hendrickson if he didn't show up to mandatory camp. Now, things have gotten very personal with Hendrickson and the organization, particularly due to the lack of communication in addition to Taylor's text.
The Bengals are no strangers to contract standoffs with star players. Owner Mike Brown has earned a reputation of being "cheap". That seemed to go out the window with the Chase and Higgins contracts, but now the Bengals are in very real danger of losing the most important, All-Pro piece of a defense that had already struggled mightily in 2024.