Trey Hendrickson Returns to Action with the Bengals After Contract Restructure
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson has returned to training camp for the first time since the end of the previous season. The news comes after the signing of a restructured contract that ensures him a significant salary increase. This Wednesday marked Hendrickson’s return after negotiating a contract extension. The restructuring granted him a $13 million raise, bringing his salary to $29 million for the final year of his current contract. Additionally, he could earn an additional million dollars in incentives, bringing his total salary to $30 million. Hendrickson missed all of the preseason and offseason workouts while seeking to negotiate an extension. After receiving a significant salary increase in what is currently scheduled to be the final year of his contract with the team, Hendrickson expressed enthusiasm for his return.This agreement demonstrates great mutual respect. I am honored and grateful to be able to play football at this level.
Trey Hendrickson
Before both sides reached an agreement on Monday, Hendrickson was scheduled to earn $16 million in cash for the 2024 season. During the offseason, he remained firm in his intention not to play under that contract. Bengals management indicated they wanted to give him a raise.
The negotiations focused on the guaranteed money in the deal, including extending it beyond the first season of any new contract. Historically, Cincinnati has not offered guaranteed money to veterans, aside from a signing bonus, with the exception of wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who secured a large $161 million extension. Hendrickson stated that the option he ultimately agreed to had not been offered before in the negotiations. Upon being presented, he felt “incredibly honored”. This allowed the Bengals and him to reach an agreement before the start of the season on September 7 against the Cleveland Browns.Hendrickson, 30, is coming off the best season of his career. He led the NFL with 17.5 sacks, earned his first Associated Press All-Pro selection, and made the Pro Bowl for the fourth straight season since signing with the Bengals during free agency in 2021. During his absence, which lasted most of the training camp, Hendrickson observed the exercises.I want to be part of something special here. I’ve said it openly and often. I can’t write my own contracts, although we players would all like to. I didn’t see any long-term option that I would consider.
Trey Hendrickson
On Wednesday, Hendrickson resumed his role as a player. After the team’s stretching period, he was the first to wait to participate in position drills with assistant coach Jerry Montgomery.He is committed to the players around him. He has a lot of knowledge he wants to pass on.
Zac Taylor, Bengals Coach
It’s not that I didn’t enjoy training, but it’s not what I’m here to do. I’m eager to go after the quarterbacks.
Trey Hendrickson
