What is biggest sticking point in contract standoff between Bengals, Trey Hendrickson?

During the broadcast of the preseason "Monday Night Football" game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Washington Commanders, Bengals pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson spoke with ESPN's Laura Rutledge about his ongoing contract standoff. 

It sounds like no resolution is imminent. 

"Rutledge reported that Hendrickson told her that he and the team are in close agreement on the total average annual salary and the length of the deal," Ben Baby of ESPN noted. "The sticking point remains the guaranteed money in a potential extension, with Cincinnati's stance on not providing secured salary after the first season leaving progress at a standstill."

Rutledge offered this update after it was learned over the weekend that the Bengals were "listening" to trade offers for Hendrickson. Dianna Russini of The Athletic subsequently reported that "Cincinnati has told interested teams it is looking for a young defensive player and a future first-round pick in a trade package" regarding Hendrickson's services. Russini added that interested teams "face potential salary cap obstacles when it comes to paying Hendrickson the deal he wants this late into the summer." 

It's unclear exactly how much guaranteed money Hendrickson wants attached to his extension after the market for players at the position was reset on multiple occasions this year. Back in March, Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby accepted a three-year, $106.5M extension. Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns later inked a four-year, $160M deal that included $123.5M guaranteed. Shortly before training-camp practices got underway this summer, the Pittsburgh Steelers gave T.J. Watt a three-year, $123M deal that included $108M guaranteed. 

Hendrickson is in the final year of his existing contract. Both he and Watt will be 31 years old when the upcoming regular season wraps up, while Garrett turns 30 years old in late December. 

The StatMuse website shows that no player has accumulated more regular-season sacks than Hendrickson (35) since the start of the 2023 campaign. As of Tuesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the 2025 Bengals at -140 betting odds to make the playoffs. Such information suggests Cincinnati will eventually give Hendrickson millions of reasons to play against the Browns in Week 1 on Sept. 7. 

Per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow hinted after Monday's preseason game that he thinks the team could get something done with Hendrickson "closer to Week 1." For now, Hendrickson will continue to miss valuable practice time after he skipped the voluntary offseason program amid his desire for a pay raise.