Quietly in the background, though, is second-round pick Demetrius Knight Jr. fighting for a starting gig next to Logan Wilson. Knight, who has made a point to learn from Joe Burrow as he goes, continues to make a push alongside new arrival Oren Burks, the veteran the Bengals signed in free agency.

Amid Cincinnati allocating significant long-term contracts to core offensive talents like quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Hendrickson has remained steadfast in wanting a new deal himself.