Trey Hendrickson Skipping Bengals Camp Over Contract Dispute

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson will not report for the start of training camp, according to a report from ESPN. Camp begins Tuesday in downtown Cincinnati, but Hendrickson will remain in Jacksonville, Florida, where he’s currently training. The four-time Pro Bowler led the NFL with 17.5 sacks last season and was named an All-Pro. Despite his success, he has not joined any team workouts this offseason as he seeks a new long-term deal. Hendrickson is entering the final year of his current contract and wants guaranteed money beyond 2025—something the Bengals have not offered.

Not Willing to Settle

Hendrickson told The Athletic that he received two offers within 24 hours, but neither included the guaranteed money he was looking for. Although he lives close to the stadium, he chose to stay away to avoid being a distraction.

“I spent the last 30 days at my home in Cincinnati, which is across the river from the stadium. We were given two offers within a 24-hour period, and [neither] of them had the guarantees we were looking for. I wanted to be there, but there’s no way I would be able to sit there in the house and hear the practice whistles while also being a distraction,” he said.

“Was more than willing to take less in some ways in order to make a deal work to accommodate the presented needs.”

Bengals Changing Their Ways?

Cincinnati has rarely given guaranteed money beyond the first year to players who aren’t quarterbacks. But that changed earlier this offseason when the Bengals signed wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase to a $161 million extension. At least $32.7 million of that is fully guaranteed.

Hendrickson is hoping to receive similar treatment. He is set to make $16 million in cash this season but has made it clear he doesn’t want to play without a new deal.

Front Office Still Hopeful

At the Bengals’ media luncheon on Monday, team president Mike Brown said the team wants Hendrickson back, even if contract talks haven’t been easy.

“We like Trey as a person,” Brown said. “He’s a good guy. But when it comes to these negotiations and we’ve been through a few of them with him, he pushes hard, he gets emotional.

“We never have an easy time of it, but there’s one thing that is consistent — it always gets done and I think this one will. But we’ll see.”

Head coach Zac Taylor also said he has had good communication with Hendrickson, as well as rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart, who has not reported either.

Different Situations for Rookie and Veteran

Taylor said Stewart’s absence is more concerning because he hasn’t played in the NFL yet. For Hendrickson, Taylor said he knows what to expect once the veteran returns.

“I think rookies are different because they haven’t had the time on the field and proven themselves yet at this level,” Taylor said. “I think any time missed is pretty critical for those guys.

“Whereas the vets, I’ve seen Henrickson play. We’d love to have him in here, love to get it done, but I know what to expect from Trey when he gets in here.”

Is Age a Factor?

One thing possibly holding up the deal is Hendrickson’s age. He turns 31 this season, and the Bengals have been cautious about giving long-term contracts to players over 30. Still, other edge rushers around the league—like T.J. Watt and Danielle Hunter—are around the same age and got new deals this year.

Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin didn’t say much about the age factor but praised Hendrickson’s value.

“I have a ton of regard and respect for Trey,” Tobin said. “He’s a fantastic player. He is what we look for in players. He’s been very productive. He’s been a great signing for us and if we can come to some agreement that gives him a raise, an extension, that would be great.”

Coach Golden Wants His Leader Back

New defensive coordinator Al Golden, who worked with Hendrickson in 2021, said he hopes to see the veteran rejoin the team soon. Golden is trying to fix a defense that ranked 26th in points allowed per drive last season.

“It’s a tough situation as coaches,” Golden said. We’re always supportive of that intersection of management and player. At the end of the day, we have a job to do each day, and we just hope for a quick resolution.”