Joe Burrow wants to keep the band together.
The Bengals quarterback is pressuring the organization to bring back his supporting cast as it faces big decisions on several key pieces.
“We need [Trey Hendrickson] back,” Burrow said on ESPN’s “First Take” on Thursday. “We need to give him what he’s worth and what he deserves. He’s earned that. And we need our young guys to come on. We need to draft well. We need guys to come in and produce immediately. We don’t have time to wait around.”
In another interview with NFL Network’s Maurice Jones-Drew, Burrow doubled down, urging the team to bring back its core.
“We’ve had those preliminary discussions. It’s really early in the offseason, so those guys and their agents will start to have those discussions coming up,” Burrow said. “But we’re confident that we’re going to be able to do what it takes. We all want to stay together, so we want to make it work.”
Hendrickson, who led the NFL in sacks (17.5) this season, has one year left on his deal with Cincinnati, although he recently indicated that he wants a new contract or to be traded away.
The Bengals also face the prospect of losing star wide receiver Tee Higgins and tight end Mike Gesicki — both players will be free agents this offseason.
Ja’Marr Chase is also reportedly looking for a long-term deal.
Burrow stated on FS1’s “Breakfast Ball” that he would restructure his five-year, $275 million contract to keep them all in Cincinnati.
The Bengals were one of the most disappointing teams in football in 2024, finishing 9-8 and missing the playoffs for the second straight season.
