Bengals took advantage of a big mistake their future opponent made during final roster cuts
KJ Henry stands alone as the only waiver wire pickup the Cincinnati Bengals acquired this year, but the fact that he was available at all is interesting on its own. The former bookend edge of Myles Murphy at Clemson was taken in the fifth-round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders. A fifth-round pick […]
KJ Henry stands alone as the only waiver wire pickup the Cincinnati Bengals acquired this year, but the fact that he was available at all is interesting on its own.
The former bookend edge of Myles Murphy at Clemson was taken in the fifth-round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders. A fifth-round pick waived before his second season even began is a pretty unusual occurrence.
It certainly wasn't something Henry himself expected.
After his first practice in Cincinnati, Henry had an honest reflection on being a part of final cuts in Washington.
"Very, I'm not gonna lie, very surprised, but it's OK. It's a blessing," Henry said of being cut. "I haven't put much thought into it after the decision. It's the best lesson in the league, especially for a young guy, control what you can control."
The Bengals have a clear need for Henry with Murphy on the Reserve/Injured list for the first four weeks of the season. He brings the edge defender position to a comfortable five players for Week 1.
Even if the Commanders didn't feel as if they needed Henry, he still plays a very valuable position that requires depth all throughout the season.
And with the preseason Henry had, it makes Washington's decision to waive him even more confusing.
Cincinnati may've found a steal on the waiver wire
The edge position was looking like a notable weakness for the Bengals at the beginning of this week. Starters Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard are healthy, as is contract year breakout hopeful Joseph Ossai, but the depth behind all three was nonexistent. All that remained was rookie sixth-round pick Cedric Johnson. There's promise for Johnson in the long-term, but another competent body was needed while Murphy recovers for the next month.
Henry became the best possible addition considering the circumstances, and the last month of football is solid evidence.
In three preseason games for the Commanders, Henry led the defense in total pressures (10), pass rush win rate (20.8%) and pass rush win rate against true pass sets (29.4%) according to Pro Football Focus.
Henry ranked no lower than fourth in any of three categories around the league (among edges with at least 50 pass-rushing snaps). His production would've been tops this month for the Bengals as well.
And Washington let him go, with at least 17 other teams not putting in a claim for him. Curious!
There's a good chance Henry doesn't even suit up for the Bengals in Week 1 as four edges are typically the most that are a part of the game day active 46, but just having him in the waiting is a luxury the Bengals could've only wished for a week ago.
The Bengals also host the Commanders on Monday Night Football in Week 3. It may take just one additional injury for Henry to face his former team under the bright lights.
Henry, by all accounts, boasts great character and is fresh off playing some of the best football of his career. For the Bengals to scoop him off waivers from a team that just had the #2 pick in the draft is nothing short of a blessing.
Bengals conduct roster gymnastics to bring back veteran player and place rookie on Injured Reserve
Cincinnati’s practice squad is also set at 16 players.
