This 2026 free agency period has produced several moves that have surprised both fans and insiders across the NFL. It began with the failed move involving Las Vegas Raiders player Maxx Crosby and the Baltimore Ravens.
With that situation in mind, and while a high number of rumors and back-and-forth discussions circulated the league, another move arrived that once again shook the entire NFL. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson was traded from the Cincinnati Bengals to the Baltimore Ravens.
For the AFC North rival, the move was viewed as a bold and aggressive decision. For his former team, however, the perception was quite different, as it seemed to confirm the growing belief that the Bengals are gradually dismantling a roster that has already struggled through the past two seasons.
Naturally, that development did not go unnoticed by the players, many of whom now expect the front office to find a way to restore the defense by bringing in a player capable of offering at least the same level of production that Hendrickson once delivered.
Ja’marr Chase hopes good players arrive in Cincinnati
Hendrickson’s departure left several of his teammates stunned. Many of them viewed the defensive end as the unquestioned captain of the defense and a tremendous leader. Now that he has moved on, alarms have begun to sound among those who once shared the locker room with him.
After the news broke that the Bengals defender was leaving the team to sign a four-year contract worth more than $100 million to play for the Baltimore Ravens beginning in the 2026 season, reactions quickly followed from several of his now former teammates.
One of the players who took to social media to express his displeasure over Hendrickson’s exit was wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
Mmmmh today April 1st?
Chase’s message did not appear to be directed at any specific individual. However, when viewed within the context of Hendrickson’s departure, it was widely interpreted as a reaction to the move, and possibly also connected to the earlier situation involving Maxx Crosby and the failed negotiations between Las Vegas and Baltimore.
Y’all can’t be saying people failing their physicals and shit, that’s not no joke.
Joe just f-king texted me, Ravens traded for Maxx Crosby.”… “No f-king sh-t, brother. I’m f-king highly pissed right now. Oh my god, how the f-k do we let this n- go to the f-king division bro?
Chase said during his Twitch stream on March 7.
Those reactions may also be interpreted as a clear message to the Bengals’ leadership, urging them not to remain passive while key pieces depart. For many players inside the organization, the expectation is that the front office will actively search for a defensive replacement capable of delivering the same level of impact and leadership that their former teammate once provided to the unit.
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