The Cincinnati Bengals are entering the final two weeks of the 2025 season as a team eyeing the future. Younger players and their performances will be key as the regular season winds down.
While there might be some returning veterans in 2026, a lot of the team is likely up in the air beyond 2025. One of the more prominent players likely on his way out is Trey Hendrickson. But, he won't be alone.
Paul Dehner Jr. Of The Athletic notes that Hendrickson isn't the only Bengals veteran defensive lineman to be in his final season in Cincinnati. He predicted that Joseph Ossai could be gone, but more importantly, B.J. Hill might also be in his final Bengals season.
Bengals predicted to cut ties with B.J. Hill
"An interesting name to follow will be B.J. Hill," Dehner Jr. Writes. "Who signed a three-year deal last offseason but could be on the chopping block to clear cap space as the Bengals search for more pass rush."
Hill is an eight-year NFL veteran, and while he's been a quality lineman for the Bengals over the last five seasons, his time in Cincinnati could be coming to an end.
With a dire need for pass rush help, the Bengals aren't getting a lot of help from Hill, who's recorded 19 sacks in his five seasons with the Bengals, and is typically in the teens when it comes to pressures recorded as a pass rusher.
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He's not a terrible pass-rushing option, but the Bengals need a much better presence in the middle of the defensive line, and with the ability to clear some cap space, Hill could be a cap casualty this offseason.
Hill is under contract for $33 million through the 2027 NFL season. He carries cap hits of $12 million in 2026 and 2027, and if he's released or traded with a post June 1 designation, the Bengals can save around $5 million.
The 30-year-old defensive lineman could be on his way out, as Dehner Jr. Predicts the Bengals' defense to undergo some major changes this offseason.
Hill, a trade pickup, has been a great addition for Cincinnati over the last five seasons. But, with the need to clear up some space, Hill's time with the Bengals could be coming to an end.
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