As we stressed constantly, the Cincinnati Bengals weren't going to trade star defensive end Trey Hendrickson during the NFL draft. Before the process, one insider speculated the Bengals could trade Hendrickson if they took Shemar Stewart in the first round.

Throughout this offseason, there were a few storylines that stood out. Firstly, will the Bengals extend and re-sign their superstar receivers? Yes. Will the Bengals be aggressive in free agency?

Hendrickson had the Bengals up against it in negotiations for his contract extension before the draft. They had no answers at edge rusher for the short or long term. They regain leverage by picking Stewart. A plan for life without Hendrickson is in place between Stewart, Myles Murphy and rotational pieces behind them.