Trey Hendrickson Rejoins Bengals: End of Contractual Tension?
A key contractual matter for the Cincinnati Bengals could be close to resolution. All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson is set to end his absence and report to training camp on Wednesday. Sources close to the team revealed that Hendrickson has been absent during the first week of training, seeking a contract extension before next season. Hendrickson was officially placed on the team’s “non-reported” list on July 23, a day after the veterans arrived. According to the collective bargaining agreement between the league and the NFL Players Association, Hendrickson could be fined a maximum of $50,000 for each day missed. Hendrickson’s reincorporation to the training camp could be a crucial step to unlock negotiations.Hendrickson, who will turn 31 this season, is the current NFL leader in quarterback sacks. He was named to the Associated Press All-Pro team after leading the league with 17.5 sacks. In addition, he was selected for the Pro Bowl for the fourth consecutive season. The former Florida Atlantic player has a salary of $16 million. Hendrickson is seeking a long-term extension with guaranteed money that extends beyond the first year. The team has recently made an offer in hopes of securing his participation this season. If both sides reach an agreement, the Bengals will have all their players for the first time since the end of last season. Hendrickson missed all preseason training due to the contract situation. Rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart, the team’s first pick in the April draft, signed his rookie contract on Saturday, ending a months-long dispute with the team.Hendrickson’s imminent arrival is a gesture of good faith to boost negotiations with the team.
Source close to the negotiations
