There has been plenty of drama to go around the Pittsburgh Steelers organization this offseason.
Whether we are talking the likes of Aaron Rodgers and his impending decision or the recent trade of George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh has given fans plenty to talk about and speculate over.
But, they are not alone in the AFC North. The Baltimore Ravens just ended the tenure of kicker Justin Tucker amid some off-field allegations and the Cleveland Browns drafted a pair of quarterbacks including Shedeur Sanders.
And now, we've reached a boiling point with the Cincinnati Bengals and their star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson.
The Steelers' two matchups with Cincinnati could be getting much easier in the near future
When Hendrickson showed up to talk to the Bengals media today, fans were waiting on the edge of their seats to hear what he had to say about his current contract situation.
To catch fans up who might not be familiar, Hendrickson (the NFL's leading sack artist in 2024) is entering the final year of his contract and the Bengals haven't spoken to him once about a new deal since the conclusion of the NFL Draft.
Some have speculated whether or not he'll wind up being traded since the Bengals did formerly grant him permission to seek one.
Hendrickson's comments on Tuesday all but cemented the idea that he's as good as gone. If Cincinnati is not going to give him a new deal, Hendrickson said he'd be prepared to sit out the 2025 season; that is, of course, unless he's traded.
Without Hendrickson, that Bengals defense is going to be putting a lot of pressure on rookie first-round pick Shemar Stewart who comes into the league after posting only 4.5 sacks throughout his entire collegiate career.
Cincinnati is still an offense-first type of team with Joe Burrow leading a talented group on that side of the ball. But, their defense should be even more of a breeze without Hendrickson.
Assuming the Steelers get their quarterback situation under control, there is no reason why they cannot handle business in both games against the Bengals this coming season, especially now looking as though they won't have to worry about Hendrickson.
