The final major star yet to report to training camp is soon expected to inform his team. Trey Hendrickson, who led the NFL in sacks in 2024, has not yet signed a new contract with the Cincinnati Bengals, making it unlikely for him to participate in practice until an agreement is reached, according to NFL Media.
Despite remaining unsigned, Hendrickson’s willingness to leave Florida and return to Cincinnati is seen as a positive sign for ongoing contract negotiations, per ESPN reports. His holdout also saves him some money since the Bengals can fine $50,000 for each day missed during training camp.
Contract discussions between Hendrickson and the Bengals have been tense throughout the offseason. He was at one point allowed to explore trade options but none materialized. The market for top edge rushers has soared, with Hendrickson entering the final year of his deal and due $16 million. Notably, TJ Watt recently secured a hefty three-year, $123 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, setting a high benchmark for the position.
Hendrickson has openly expressed frustration over the stalled contract talks, appearing once for voluntary training in Cincinnati while voicing his annoyance to the media. On May 13, he remarked, “We tried to keep it as personal as possible, but at some point in this process it becomes personal,” referring to the impact on his family and close circle due to lack of communication.
Having missed most of the Bengals’ voluntary workouts and June’s Organized Team Activities (OTA), Hendrickson faces fines up to $105,000. At 30, he’s been instrumental in the Bengals’ recent success, earning Pro Bowl honors each of the last four seasons since signing a four-year, $60 million deal in 2021. He’s recorded at least 14 sacks in three of his four seasons in Cincinnati and amassed 56 sacks overall for the team.
In addition to sacks, Hendrickson excels at pressuring quarterbacks. Last season he had 83 pressures, ranking second in pass rush win rate (24%), and consistently ranked in the top 10 among edge rushers during his Bengals tenure.
Fan Take: This contract standoff is crucial for NFL fans as it highlights the growing trend of elite defensive players leveraging their market value to secure blockbuster deals. Hendrickson’s situation could set a precedent for future negotiations impacting team dynamics and salary structures across the league.
