Dec 10, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) enters the field before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Report: Bengals, Trey Hendrickson at 'Stalemate' in Contract Negotiations

Originally posted on Cincinnati Bengals on SI
By Russell Heltman | Last updated May 7, 2025 8:00 AM ET

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler gave his latest thoughts on the Trey Hendrickson contract saga this week. He noted the star pass rusher and Cincinnati are "at a stalemate" on a new deal.

"There's no update with defensive end Trey Hendrickson's contract situation, which is at a stalemate," Fowler wrote. "My read on the situation is that Hendrickson is convicted enough to stay away from the team, having no interest in playing on his scheduled $16 million salary in 2025. Right now, this is a waiting game.

"So, at least in the short term, Shemar Stewart could assume the Hendrickson role in the defense. But I do believe the drafting of Stewart isn't totally tied to Hendrickson's situation. Cincinnati likes not only Stewart's explosiveness, but his positional flexibility at 6-foot-5 and 267 pounds."

Hendrickson and the Bengals have been quiet over the past month regarding the situation, as he stays away from the team so far this offseason. Hendrickson did not attend the voluntary team workout this week.

The Bengals have cleared over $3 million in cap space in recent weeks after re-working Zack Moss and Geno Stone's respective contracts. Does that give them the room they need/want to get a Hendrickson deal done? We explored the possibility here.