"I don't know for a fact that future-year guarantees are the holdup in Hendrickson's deal, but it's a fair assumption to make based on what I've heard from sources," Graziano stated.

If the Bengals explore the possibility and are seeking a first-round pick in exchange, I’d be stunned if the Bears had any interest.

The Bengals used the No. 17 pick in last month's NFL draft to select Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart, potentially preparing for life without Hendrickson.