Why Bengals' Trey Hendrickson didn't want to be 'selfish' amid contract stalemate

Following a brief holdout, pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson reported to the Cincinnati Bengals for training camp on Wednesday even though he remains in the final year of his existing contract.

According to Jay Morrison of Sports Illustrated, Hendrickson confirmed on Wednesday that "things are exactly the same" regarding the contract stalemate involving the two sides. The 30-year-old also indicated he had a reason for showing up to camp outside of the fact that he was being fined $50,000 per day during his holdout. 

"There was never something where I wasn’t going to be here," Hendrickson explained. "Punishing the young players and not being a part of their development would be a selfish act. Being here for those guys is something I look forward to." 

Specifically, Cincinnati edge-rusher and 2025 first-round draft pick Shemar Stewart only signed his rookie contract on July 25 after he and the team spent months battling over language attached to the agreement. Hendrickson noted on Wednesday that he wants to help Stewart "in any way" this summer. 

That said, Hendrickson added that "our plans are not having to play on the current deal." The Bengals open the upcoming regular season with a matchup at the division-rival Cleveland Browns on Sept. 7. 

"That's something we have a common goal to get to," Hendrickson said about eventually working something out that will result in him featuring for the Bengals this season. "That's the plan moving forward. No distractions. I am excited to be here. I think it's great seeing the brotherhood that's in here." 

As of the afternoon of July 30, there was no indication the Bengals were close to making Hendrickson happy with an offer. Earlier in July, T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers reset the market when he accepted a three-year, $123M extension that included $108M guaranteed. Watt turns 31 years old in October, while Hendrickson will turn 31 on Dec. 5. 

Since Week 1 of the 2023 campaign, no player has accumulated more regular-season sacks than Hendrickson (35). 

Hendrickson suggested on Wednesday that he won't use the media to campaign for an extension because he doesn't want to be a "distraction" for the Bengals. 

"I plan on handling it with respect to (head coach) Zac Taylor, to the 2025 Bengals and not being a distraction," Hendrickson said about his contract saga, per ESPN's Ben Baby.

It's easy for a player to make such a comment on July 30, but it's fair to wonder what Hendrickson would have to say if he begins Aug. 30 without a signed extension in hand.