The Trey Hendrickson Disrespect Continues

When a superstar is embroiled in a contract dispute, recency bias takes over, and the fan base sours on the player and franchise. Plenty of Cincinnati Bengals fans are in the “who cares,” “cut him loose,” or “honor your contract” camps, while plenty more just yell, “pay the man!” It hasn’t been the most peaceful time around Paycor Stadium.

While that feeling is prevalent, it seems to have spilled over in front offices across the league. Recently, ESPN polled coaches, executives, and scouts around the NFL to rank their top edge rushers and, inexplicably, Tre Hendrickson is not at the top…nor in the top five.

The Trey Hendrickson Disrespect Continues

After having no votes in the running back or defensive tackle rankings, Trey Hendrickson was the first Bengal mentioned in the series. Despite leading the way in sacks last year, Hendrickson was ranked sixth. The Bengals’ superstar came in behind Myles Garrett, T.J. Watt (who is in his own ugly contract dispute that doesn’t seem to be getting nearly as much negative coverage…), Micah Parsons, Maxx Crosby, and Nick Bosa.

According to Jeremy Fowler, the highest any individual ranked Hendrickson was third, which is fair. However, and quite possibly the most egregious, there was at least one who left him off their top 10 entirely. As a reminder, the NFL’s sack leader in 2024 entered the season ranked ninth in the same survey.

In total, Fowler’s write-up explained it:

“To say Hendrickson carried the Bengals’ defense at times last season is not hyperbole.

His 17.5 sacks — his second consecutive season posting that number — comprised 49% of the team’s sack production. He accounted for 32.2% of the team’s total pressures, making him the only defender to have recorded a pressure share above 30%.

With four consecutive Pro Bowls and a first-team All-Pro berth, Hendrickson is undoubtedly one of the NFL’s best free agency signings of the past decade. No wonder he sat out offseason workouts in search of a new contract.

‘His ability to get to the quarterback by any means necessary is truly impressive,’ an AFC scout said. ‘He can beat you with technique and relentless motor.’

Some voters believe Hendrickson does not possess the same high-end traits as those in the top tier. But he’s so wildly productive that they can’t hate on him.

‘He’s probably taken for granted a little bit,’ an NFL personnel evaluator said. ‘Elite player all the way.'”