Cincinnati Bengals Head Coach Reveals List of Players Set to Depart This Season: Major Roster Changes Ahead
In a surprising move that signals a shift in the direction of the Cincinnati Bengals, head coach Zac Taylor has officially announced a list of key players who will be departing the team at the end of the 2024 NFL season. The Bengals, who have experienced a mix of highs and lows over the past few years, are now preparing for significant roster changes as part of an ongoing effort to rejuvenate the squad and stay competitive in the tough AFC North division.
The list of players set to leave the Bengals includes veterans who have been cornerstones of the franchise, as well as some younger talents who have shown flashes of potential. While the exact reasons for these departures vary, Taylor made it clear that the decision-making process was driven by a need to improve the team’s overall performance, cap space management, and long-term roster strategy. The changes are expected to bring a mix of both excitement and uncertainty for the Bengals’ fanbase as they look ahead to the future.
Key Players Departing the Bengals
Coach Taylor’s announcement confirmed that several familiar faces will be leaving Cincinnati as the team moves into the 2025 season. The list of players leaving includes a combination of free agents, trade candidates, and those whose contracts will not be renewed. Below are some of the most notable names:
1. Joe Mixon (Running Back)
Joe Mixon, one of the Bengals’ most productive offensive weapons over the past few seasons, headlines the list of departures. Mixon, 28, has been with the Bengals since being drafted in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft and has established himself as one of the league’s more dynamic running backs. However, despite his impressive statistics, Mixon’s future with the team has been called into question due to the emergence of younger running backs and the team’s desire to free up cap space.
“Joe has been a tremendous player for us, both on and off the field,” Coach Taylor said during the press conference. “He’s one of the leaders of this team, and we appreciate everything he’s done for the Bengals. But the business side of things has made it necessary for us to make some tough decisions, and unfortunately, Joe will be one of those who will not be returning next season.”
Mixon’s departure is expected to be a significant change for the Bengals’ offense, which has relied heavily on his skills as both a rusher and a pass catcher out of the backfield. While Mixon’s exit may pave the way for a younger, more cost-effective backfield, it also creates a leadership void in the locker room.
2. Trey Hendrickson (Defensive End)
Trey Hendrickson, the Bengals’ standout defensive end, will also be leaving Cincinnati. Hendrickson, who joined the team in 2021 after a breakout season with the New Orleans Saints, has been a crucial part of the Bengals’ pass rush, recording double-digit sacks in each of his seasons with the team. However, with a bloated salary cap number and an aging roster, the Bengals have made the difficult decision to move on from Hendrickson in order to create more financial flexibility.
“Trey has been a key player for us since day one,” Coach Taylor commented. “His impact on our defense has been undeniable. But with the way our cap space is shaping up and the need to invest in other areas, we believe it’s time to make some changes on the defensive front.”
Hendrickson’s departure will leave a significant hole in the Bengals’ defensive line, one that the team will need to address through the draft or free agency.
3. Tyler Boyd (Wide Receiver)
Tyler Boyd, the reliable slot receiver who has been a staple of the Bengals’ passing game for nearly a decade, is another player set to depart. Boyd has been a consistent contributor alongside Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but the Bengals are reportedly seeking to streamline their wide receiver corps and make room for new talent.
“Tyler has been a tremendous professional throughout his career, and his contributions to this team will never be forgotten,” Taylor said. “However, we’re at a point where we need to make some adjustments, and part of that involves reshaping our receiving group. Tyler will be moving on, but we wish him nothing but the best in the next chapter of his career.”
Boyd’s departure will open up a key spot in the Bengals’ receiving rotation, and while Chase and Higgins remain the top targets, the team will likely look for a new slot receiver through free agency or the draft.
4. Sam Hubbard (Defensive End)
Another veteran defensive player on the move is Sam Hubbard, a key member of the Bengals’ defense since being drafted in 2018. Hubbard, known for his leadership and ability to generate pressure on quarterbacks, has been a solid contributor for Cincinnati. However, with the Bengals aiming to revamp their defensive front and improve overall depth, Hubbard is expected to be a cap casualty.
“Sam has been one of the heartbeats of our defense, and we truly appreciate everything he’s done for the organization,” Taylor said. “But as with any team in this league, we have to make tough choices, and unfortunately, Sam will not be a part of our plans moving forward.”
Hubbard’s departure is another significant blow to the Bengals’ defensive line, which could be in need of major retooling heading into 2025.
5. Jessie Bates III (Safety)
The Bengals’ secondary will also see changes, with Pro Bowl safety Jessie Bates III leaving the team. Bates, who has been a leader in the Bengals’ secondary for several seasons, was one of the most sought-after free agents in recent years and was instrumental in the team’s run to Super Bowl LVI. However, contract disputes and the team’s salary cap situation have made it difficult to keep Bates, and it seems he will be moving on to another team in free agency.
“Jessie has been an incredible player and leader for this franchise,” Coach Taylor said. “We made a real effort to keep him, but at the end of the day, we weren’t able to make it work. We’ll always be grateful for his contributions, and we wish him the best of luck.”
The Road Ahead for the Bengals
With these departures, the Bengals are preparing for a significant transformation in their roster. While the team still boasts superstar talents like quarterback Joe Burrow, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, and linebacker Logan Wilson, Coach Taylor and the front office will need to address several key areas of the roster, especially on defense and in the running back room.
The Bengals’ salary cap situation is expected to open up after the departures, giving them more flexibility to target key free agents and strengthen the team in critical positions. Additionally, the draft will play a crucial role in helping the team reload and refresh key areas.
As the Bengals enter 2025, Coach Taylor remains optimistic about the team’s long-term direction, stating, “Change is never easy, but it’s necessary to build a sustainable, competitive roster. We have a talented core, and we’re excited about the future of this team. We’ll keep working hard to bring another championship to Cincinnati.”
The next few months will be critical for the Bengals as they look to retool their roster and remain contenders in the AFC North. Fans, however, are left with mixed emotions as they bid farewell to several key figures who have been instrumental in the team’s recent successes.
Leave a Reply