Bengals and Trey Hendrickson: Contract Negotiations Revive
In recent weeks, a halo of optimism has emerged around Trey Hendrickson’s future with the Cincinnati Bengals. Sources close to the team reveal that conversations about his contract and his stay with the team have resumed. Hendrickson, who had an outstanding season and led the NFL in sacks in 2024 with 17.5, maintains his desire to secure a long-term contract extension. This reopening of negotiations represents a positive change after a period of stagnation. The player did not participate in any of the team’s offseason training sessions, including last week’s mandatory minicamp, which resulted in fines of around $105,000. The only appearance of Hendrickson this offseason was to give a press conference, where he presented his perspective on the negotiations. In his statements, he expressed his discontent with the lack of communication between him and the Bengals during contract talks.Hendrickson, 30, is about to enter the final year of his current contract. His goal is to secure a long-term deal that places him in the same category as other prominent pass rushers in the NFL. In the last three seasons, he has accumulated 43 sacks, just one fewer than Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns, who leads the league with 44 sacks in that period. Garrett recently signed an extension with the Browns worth $40 million annually. Hendrickson has a salary of $16 million this season, but has expressed his intention not to play under his current contract. Bengals coach Zac Taylor, when asked about the importance of having Hendrickson at the start of training camp at the end of July, replied: “I think you always want to have your great players around. It’s a decision he’s making at the moment and we’ll focus on those who are here.” Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow commented that Hendrickson’s absence has been a distraction, but it’s natural in the game. “We’d love not to have contract disputes, but that’s life in the NFL. We all support Trey and would like to have him back.” In addition to Hendrickson, the Bengals face another contractual situation. Rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart has yet to sign his contract and has not participated in any training sessions due to a dispute over the terms of the agreement.When there is a lack of communication in any relationship, be it business or personal, this generates animosity and leaves my narrative only for me, without a clear direction.
Trey Hendrickson
