Trey Hendrickson Contract Update: Shocking Rift Threatens Bengals’ 2025 Defense

Trey Hendrickson and the Cincinnati Bengals are at a standstill in contract negotiations. As NFL off-season programs are underway, Hendrickson is unhappy with his current situation. The 2024 NFL sack leader is entering the final year of his current contract and is seeking a new deal. As negotiations stall and silence continues, this stalemate will have lasting effects on the Bengals and Hendrickson.

No Communication

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, “defensive end Trey Hendrickson said he and the Bengals remain at an impasse regarding his contract.” In a statement, Hendrickson says, “No communication has taken place between my camp and the organization post draft,” Hendrickson said.

“The offers before the draft did not reflect our shared vision and were promised last offseason, contingent upon my continued high level of play. Coaches are aware of these past conversations. Rather than using collaboration to bring me home to the team, they are no longer communicating with me. I have been eagerly awaiting a resolution of this situation, but that’s hard to do when there is no discussion and an evident lack of interest in reaching mutual goals.”

Trey Hendrickson Current Deal

Hendrickson is entering the final year of his four-year, $60 million contract signed in 2021. Two years later, the star edge rusher agreed to a one-year extension worth $21 million. With the extension in 2023, the base salary for Hendrickson is $15.8 million. In comparison, his current deal is far behind that of other players in his position.

His current contract is significantly undervalued compared to those of his peers, such as Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett. Spotrac estimates Hendrickson’s annual value at $31.5 million, highlighting the disparity between his play and pay. With the Bengals recently giving extensions to wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase, can they also afford to pay Trey Hendrickson?

Cincinnati Bengals Statement

In previous comments, Bengals executive vice president Katie Blackburn has said, “It’s on [Hendrickson] to be happy at some point” and that Hendrickson “should be happy at certain rates that maybe he doesn’t think he’d be happy at.”

Hendrickson later called those comments “disappointing” and “frustrating.” Time will tell if both sides can find common ground on a new deal to keep him with the Bengals.

Conclusion

If the standoff persists, Hendrickson might consider skipping training camp, which could pressure team chemistry and preparation. The Bengals may also explore trade options, which could significantly impact their defensive capabilities.

According to analysts, the Bengals’ meticulous approach to contract negotiations might be causing the delay. Citing the Bengals’ thorough approach to talks, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport expressed confidence that Hendrickson will ultimately sign a satisfactory contract with the team.

The contract disagreement between Trey Hendrickson and the Cincinnati Bengals highlights the intricacies of NFL negotiations. The outcome will have long-term effects on the player, the team, and its supporters as both sides navigate this challenging circumstance.​