Cincinnati Bengals Urged to Sign Za’Darius Smith Amid Trey Hendrickson Trade Rumors and Sam Hubbard’s Retirement: A Crucial Offseason Decision That Could Define 2025

As the Cincinnati Bengals enter a pivotal offseason filled with uncertainty and transformation, the franchise finds itself staring at a glaring problem on the defensive side of the ball — the edge rusher position. It’s a position that once looked rock-solid thanks to the presence of Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard. But as of March 2025, Hendrickson is reportedly on the trade block, and Hubbard — a longtime fixture of Cincinnati’s defense — has officially retired.

This sudden unraveling of the Bengals’ edge rushing core leaves a void too massive to ignore. Even if Hendrickson stays (a big “if” at this point), the Bengals still face a significant lack of depth and experience behind him. Re-signing Joseph Ossai was a step toward addressing that need, but it’s not nearly enough for a franchise with Super Bowl ambitions and a quarterback like Joe Burrow entering his prime.

That’s why Sports Illustrated’s James Rapien is urging the Bengals to make a move before the 2025 NFL Draft and sign veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith — a player with proven production, veteran savvy, and the kind of disruptive energy that Cincinnati’s defense sorely lacked in 2024.

Let’s break down why this signing makes so much sense — and why failing to address this need could be the Bengals’ undoing in 2025.

The Current State of the Bengals’ Edge Rushing Room: Dangerously Thin

The Bengals’ defensive struggles in 2024 were well documented. In a year where the offense, despite dealing with some injuries, still showed signs of explosiveness, the defense repeatedly failed to get critical stops, particularly on third down and in late-game situations. One of the biggest culprits? A lackluster pass rush.

Trey Hendrickson, as usual, was a bright spot. He tallied 11.5 sacks and was often the only source of consistent pressure. But now, after failed contract talks, Hendrickson’s future with the team is murky at best. Trade rumors have intensified, and there’s a real possibility he could be wearing a different uniform come Week 1 of the 2025 season.

Sam Hubbard, on the other hand, made the decision for the Bengals by retiring after being released earlier in the offseason. While not a sack artist, Hubbard was a rock-solid presence against the run and brought leadership and continuity to the locker room. From 2019 through 2024, he started consistently and gave the team high-effort, high-IQ football every week. His absence creates a vacuum not just on the field but in the locker room as well.

Now, the Bengals’ edge room features a mix of youth and question marks:

• Joseph Ossai, talented but injury-prone.
• Myles Murphy, a former first-rounder who has yet to fully emerge.
• Cam Sample, more of a rotational player than a consistent starter.

In short, the Bengals are a Trey Hendrickson trade away from having a pass-rushing group that ranks among the weakest in the NFL. And that is unacceptable for a team aiming to compete in the ultra-competitive AFC North.

Why Za’Darius Smith Is the Perfect Fit for Cincinnati

Enter Za’Darius Smith, a seasoned veteran with a history of getting after the quarterback — and exactly the kind of player the Bengals need to stabilize the edge. Smith is 32 years old (turning 33 in September), but his play hasn’t slowed down. In fact, he’s coming off a quietly stellar 2024 campaign split between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions, during which he:

• Notched 9 sacks
• Logged 63 quarterback pressures
• Recorded 18 defensive stops
• Played 17 games, staying healthy and durable

Smith still has plenty of juice in his legs and would immediately become a starter in Cincinnati. What’s more, his versatility makes him especially attractive. He can line up as a traditional defensive end or slide inside on passing downs, creating mismatches with guards and centers. That flexibility would be a boon for new defensive coordinator Al Golden, who’s expected to bring more creativity and pressure packages to the Bengals’ scheme.

Even better? Smith would likely come cheap. At this stage of his career, he’s not going to command top dollar. And with $26.8 million in available cap space, the Bengals can afford to bring in a veteran presence like Smith without jeopardizing long-term deals for Ja’Marr Chase or Tee Higgins.

Veteran Experience and Leadership the Bengals Can Lean On

Beyond his on-field production, Za’Darius Smith brings intangibles that could help galvanize a young and reshuffled defensive unit. He’s a three-time Pro Bowler, a playoff veteran, and someone who’s played in pressure-cooker environments in both the NFC and AFC.

In a locker room that just lost a leader in Sam Hubbard and may be about to lose another in Hendrickson, Smith could fill the leadership void and help mentor younger players like Murphy, Ossai, and even any rookie edge rusher the Bengals may draft in April. He’s been through it all — from underdog fourth-round pick to defensive centerpiece — and his voice would carry weight in the Bengals’ locker room.

Moreover, Smith has shown he can adapt to different systems and still produce. Whether it was his days in Baltimore, his breakout in Green Bay, or his short stints with Cleveland and Detroit, he’s consistently found ways to win off the edge and get to the quarterback. That adaptability is key in a league that never stops evolving.

Why This Move Makes Sense Now — Not After the Draft

James Rapien’s take is spot on: the Bengals shouldn’t wait until the draft to fix their edge rushing problem. They need to act now, before the board dictates their decisions. Signing Smith gives them flexibility on draft day and ensures they’re not forced to reach for an edge rusher just to fill a hole.

Imagine entering the 2025 season with a front that features Za’Darius Smith and Trey Hendrickson (if he stays), with Murphy and Ossai rotating in. Or even better — draft a young stud like Marshall’s Mike Green in Round 1, and you’ve suddenly got a deep, dynamic, and dangerous defensive line.

Cincinnati has made a name for itself in recent years with savvy free agent moves (think D.J. Reader and Chidobe Awuzie in previous offseasons). Adding Za’Darius Smith would be another masterstroke — a low-cost, high-reward addition that fills a critical need and brings leadership, production, and intensity.

Final Thoughts: Bengals Must Act Now Before the Market Dries Up

The window is open. Joe Burrow is healthy. The offensive weapons are elite. The coaching staff has been upgraded. All that’s missing is a defense that can match the offense’s firepower — and that starts with putting pressure on the quarterback.

Za’Darius Smith is still available, still effective, and still hungry. Cincinnati has the cap space and the need. This is not a luxury move — it’s a necessity.

If the Bengals want to contend in a conference that features Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert, and C.J. Stroud, then they need dogs up front. They need closers. They need Za’Darius Smith.

Duke Tobin, Zac Taylor, the time is now. Pull the trigger — before someone else does.