Hendrickson Predicted to 'Cave' and Sign Bengals Best Offer

Trey Hendrickson and the Cincinnati Bengals are in a standoff.

The All-Pro defensive end has stomped his foot and crossed his arms in his demands of a contract extension before he enters the final year of his current deal.

For now, the Bengals find themselves in quicksand facing the threat of sinking deeper ... but they do reportedly have an offer on the table worth about $28 million a season.

That's a considerable promotion from Hendrickson's current deal, especially if it can offer him more long-term security that he is looking for, now into his 30s.

However, he is allegedly seeking a deal north of $30 million annually. That would put him among the most highly-paid pass rushers in the NFL - a group he deservedly belongs from his performance on the field.

So who will budge?

That remains to be seen the longer both parties stay put like they've done so far.

Reports earlier this week hinted at the possibility of Hendrickson extending his holdout into the regular season and missing games, citing that he "will not play" under his current contract.

But SI's Connor Orr believes otherwise, as it may be more beneficial for Hendrickson to stay in Cincinnati rather than sign for slightly more money elsewhere.

"By taking the Bengals’ reported current offer, Hendrickson can upgrade his salary by nearly $12 million and, while still being underpaid, improve upon his prospects for next offseason more by staying in Cincinnati than he could as a year-to-year mercenary for less on another roster," Orr explained.

This would ultimately put Hendrickson in a similar situation as past summers when he is not compensated with a new contract that matches his on-field production from the season before.

Hendrickson has not been shy about voicing his displeasures with the Cincinnati front office and their handling of his negotiations.

Could he get tired of the mess and settle for Cincy's best offer? Or will the Bengals finally agree to keep their star happy by unloading their pockets?

Both sides need each other equally if they have any hopes of making noise in the postseason.

A new contract is the first move in that direction ... but somebody has to actually make a move for that to happen.