Bengals BREAKING As Trey Hendrickson Agrees to New Contract Pay Increase

However, this agreement does not serve as a formal contract extension. Hendrickson will become an unrestricted free agent following this season, per ESPN.

This deal comes in an offseason that has seen a booming market for defensive ends. Hendrickson becomes the fifth pass rusher to receive a new contract average of at least $30 million, joining T.J. Watt, Myles Garrett, Danielle Hunter and Maxx Crosby.

Hendrickson now ranks as the sixth highest-paid edge rusher in the NFL by annual value. He is just below Nick Bosa's $34 million APY sticker (signed last offseason) and just above Joshua Hines-Allen at $28.25 million APY.

Hendrickson, 30, now prepares for his ninth season in the league after holding out of the Bengals' entire offseason program and training camp. After being adamant about not playing on his former contract, Cincinnati finally delivers Hendrickson his intended contract and ensures that he will remain the focal point of the defense for 2025.

The former third-round pick is hoping to build on what was the best season of his career last year. His 17.0 sacks (and 35.0 since 2023) were the most in the NFL, earning him his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl appearance and first All-Pro selection.