Bengals and Trey Hendrickson: Contractual Crossroads, What’s Up?

Trey Hendrickson and the Bengals: A Contract at the Crossroads

The Bengals have addressed two significant contractual situations this offseason, but a significant question mark remains as they prepare for the upcoming season. The situation with star defensive end Trey Hendrickson remains unresolved.

Hendrickson, the NFL’s sack leader in 2024, has not participated in any voluntary offseason workouts, seeking a new contract. Last season, he led the league with 17.5 sacks, was named to The Associated Press All-Pro team, and made the Pro Bowl for the fourth consecutive season.

The current situation raises crucial questions for Hendrickson and the Bengals, especially as the offseason program progresses towards the mandatory minicamp on June 10.

Negotiation Background

This is the third consecutive time Hendrickson has sought a renegotiation of his contract. In 2023, he signed a one-year extension that included an $8 million signing bonus. A year later, he sought a long-term deal, but it was rejected. This led to a trade request that was not addressed.

This offseason, Hendrickson once again requested the opportunity to be traded due to the lack of an agreement, but this time, it was granted. Cincinnati allowed Hendrickson to explore the market before free agency and the NFL draft.

According to a source, several teams initially showed interest in signing Hendrickson to a long-term contract if they could successfully trade for him. However, nothing materialized, leading to the prolonged negotiation between both parties.

The League’s Perspective

Most teams agree that the Bengals are in a difficult situation due to market realities regarding Hendrickson’s value. Several quarterback hunters earn more than $34 million a year, and Hendrickson’s performance as a leader in sacks suggests he should be in that group.

Hendrickson is not only looking for a suitable market value, but also long-term security, which means that a one or two-year deal is probably not enough.

“I don’t see how they can let go of a great player for a draft pick, given the pressure to win now,” said an NFC executive.

NFC Executive

Conversations about a trade have cooled, with the belief that Cincinnati did not receive an offer that included a first-round pick or rejected attractive trade offers in March. It appears this is a contract extension or a failure, at least for now.

“I still believe they can reach an agreement, taking it above the $30 million threshold, while protecting themselves. Age [30] is something that should be a factor for them,” said another NFC executive.

NFC Executive

If an agreement isn’t reached, several people believe Hendrickson could fulfill his promise to miss games or even the season. “He’s very determined,” said a source.

The Impact of the Market

Several offseason agreements have exacerbated the situation between Cincinnati and Hendrickson. When the two sides spoke in 2024, at a time when Hendrickson believed the Bengals were interested in rewarding a quality season with a new deal, it was difficult to predict how the value of contracts for pass rushers was going to increase.

First, Myles Garrett signed a record deal for $40 million annually. Then, the Houston Texans and Danielle Hunter agreed to an extension for $35.6 million a year. Hunter is 30 years old. His contract includes several void years and effectively extends to 2026, but it further raised the price. Hendrickson noticed it.

“Having that conversation in July 2024 doesn’t predict May 2025,” Hendrickson said.

Trey Hendrickson

The Bengals’ Salary Space

The Bengals generally prefer to reserve enough salary cap space to get through an entire season, which leads to a more conservative approach compared to other teams in the league.

While Cincinnati technically has $27.6 million in cap space for 2025, not all of it is immediately available for player acquisition. The Bengals have the space needed to cover expenses during the season and a possible Hendrickson extension.

It is anticipated that he will earn $15.8 million plus $200,000 in bonuses this season. By reworking contracts and finalizing the future of linebacker Germaine Pratt, who represents $5.8 million in salary savings, Cincinnati could construct a deal that could place Hendrickson in the range of $28 million to $30 million annually.

Who Needs Whom More?

Definitely, the Bengals. Even if Hendrickson is cut, teams will be eager to sign someone with a base salary of $15.8 million for 2025.

Last season, Hendrickson accounted for 48% of the team’s total sacks. The Bengals did not have a good defense last season. Not having one of the NFL’s leaders in virtually every major quarterback pressure category will not make improvement easier under new coordinator Al Golden, as the Bengals try to break a two-year playoff drought.

Could It Extend to the Regular Season?

Absolutely. Hendrickson has firmly indicated that he has no interest in playing under his current contract. When asked directly if he was willing to miss games, he skillfully evaded the question.

But the lack of response, along with other comments during a long interview session with local reporters in May, indicates that it could extend into the regular season. Hendrickson has already been informed that he could be fined if he misses the mandatory minicamp. While the lost money could hurt temporarily, Hendrickson has made it very clear that he has strong convictions about his value and his current agreement with the Bengals.

If an agreement is not reached, what are the other options?

Hendrickson could be the one to concede and play out the final year of his contract. That would make him a free agent next year. However, getting a deal for the same amount in 2026 as he’s demanding this offseason is far from a guarantee, considering Hendrickson’s age.

I could make this as acrimonious as possible, as Carlos Dunlap did in 2020, which left the Bengals with no choice but to trade him midseason. If the rest of the league knows that Cincinnati has to eradicate a toxic situation, that could also affect the type of trade compensation teams are willing to offer.

Your Colleagues’ Response

Players have mostly supported Hendrickson’s decision to stand firm and seek a new deal. Quarterback Joe Burrow has been one of his biggest supporters.

However, Burrow made an interesting comment when asked about Hendrickson’s situation. “Like anyone, I’m sure there are things he’d like to have back,” Burrow said on May 20. “He’s very thoughtful in his process and what he’s trying to do. If he thinks that’s the way to go, then that’s the way to go.”

His teammates want Hendrickson to be rewarded for what he has brought to the team, and to the locker room as well. “He’s an incredible player, man,” Chase said on Tuesday. “I mean, everyone sees it. We all see what he does for this team, the energy he brought the day he arrived.

“We all know he deserves it.”