The standoff between the Cincinnati Bengals and defensive star Trey Hendrickson continues as the player seeks a more lucrative contract from the team. While the Bengals have secured long-term deals for Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Hendrickson’s future with the franchise remains uncertain.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, multiple teams have shown interest in the 30-year-old amid ongoing contract talks. However, two NFC executives believe the Bengals will ultimately find a way to retain Hendrickson after the impressive 2024 season.
One executive noted the challenge of convincing top players to join a team solely for draft picks, given the pressure to win. Another said the Bengals might be willing to exceed the $30 million mark to keep Hendrickson on the roster, though his age is a consideration. ESPN’s Ben Baby highlighted the risks of missing games or an entire season if Hendrickson doesn’t sign a new deal.
Hendrickson has skipped all voluntary offseason training sessions as a form of leverage in negotiations, despite being seen at the team’s facility in mid-May. Because of this, he was fined for missing the mandatory minicamp from June 10-12. Under the NFL’s current collective bargaining agreement, players face escalating fines for each day missed.
In a statement to ESPN, Hendrickson expressed frustration over the lack of communication between his camp and the Bengals’ post-draft management. He said pre-draft offers didn’t align with the vision shared during negotiations, and that the coaching staff is aware of past discussions. Hendrickson emphasized his desire for a resolution, but noted that without dialogue or mutual interest, progress has stalled.
Entering the final year of his contract, Hendrickson is set to earn a base salary of $15.8 million, following a career-best season where he led the NFL with 17.5 sacks. Drafted by the Saints, Hendrickson joined Cincinnati after four seasons and has made the Pro Bowl each year since. His strong performance earned him a one-year, $21 million extension in 2023.
Sportrac reports that Hendrickson’s initial four-year, $60 million deal with Cincinnati included a $16 million base and a $10 million signing bonus. His 2023 extension added an $8 million signing bonus and a $5 million salary increase.
Hendrickson had requested a trade last offseason when the Bengals hesitated on a new contract but eventually reported to OTAs and played through the season. The team allowed him to seek a trade in March. Besides Hendrickson, rookie Shemar Stewart is also negotiating contract terms while absent from OTAs.
Other notable OTA holdouts include TJ Watt from Pittsburgh, James Cook from Buffalo, and Mika Parsons from Dallas, all tied to contract disputes.
Fan Take: This contract standoff is a critical storyline for NFL fans as it highlights the increasing importance of player leverage in negotiations. Hendrickson’s holdout could reshape how franchises approach retaining top defensive talent, potentially impacting team dynamics and player movement across the league.
