Cincinnati Bengals Trey Hendrickson speaks at a press conference after practice, Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Kettering Health Practice Fields in Downtown Cincinnati. Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

'Extremely Dug In' - League Voices Discuss Trey Hendrickson Contract Saga

Originally posted on Cincinnati Bengals on SI
By Russell Heltman | Last updated May 29, 2025 3:05 PM ET

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Ben Baby dropped the latest update on Trey Hendrickson this week. Sources tell Fowler that the defensive end is "extremely dug in" on his stance of not playing for the final year of his Bengals contract worth $16 million in cash.

One NFC executive doesn't see Cincinnati trading him if an agreement isn't found.

"I can't see how they can let a great player go for a draft pick, given the pressure to win now," an NFC executive said to Fowler.

Another executive sees a new contract eventually coming to Hendrickson. One that starts with a three and not the $28 million per year offer reportedly on the table.

"I still think they can come to a compromise, getting him above that $30-million threshold while covering themselves," another NFC executive said to Fowler. "The age [30] is something that must be a factor for them."

The hemming and hawing continues from both sides as neither appears ready to budge from its stance entering June. The first test of Hendrickson's fortitude comes next month during mandatory minicamp from June 10-12.

Check out the full story here from Fowler and Baby.