Trey Hendrickson Contract Standoff: Will He Sit Out the Season?
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The Cincinnati Bengals find themselves in a familiar offseason predicament: a contract dispute with a key player. This time, it's star defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who is seeking a long-term contract extension and a significant pay raise. After leading the NFL in sacks in 2024 with 17.5, and consistent performance over the last few seasons, Hendrickson feels he deserves to be compensated accordingly.
The Sticking Points
Reports suggest Hendrickson is aiming for a salary exceeding $30 million per year, while the Bengals have reportedly offered around $28 million. Hendrickson has one year and $16 million remaining on his current contract. The situation has escalated, with Hendrickson not participating in voluntary workouts, signaling his commitment to securing a new deal.
The Stakes are High
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that Hendrickson is "extremely dug in" and might even miss games or the entire season if a deal isn't reached. This would be a major blow to the Bengals' Super Bowl aspirations, as Hendrickson is a critical component of their defense.
Bengals' Perspective
The Bengals have already invested heavily in their offense, signing wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to long-term contracts. With $27.6 million in cap space for 2025, they have the financial flexibility to address Hendrickson's demands. However, they also need to manage their resources wisely to maintain a competitive roster.
What's Next?
The Bengals' mandatory minicamp, scheduled for June 10-12, will be a crucial test. If Hendrickson skips the minicamp, he faces potential fines, further escalating the conflict. The team already granted a trade request this offseason, only to see talks stall.
Ultimately, can a compromise be reached before the season starts?
Many believe Hendrickson will 'cave' and take the Bengal's best offer before the season kicks off. Some argue that a player entering his age-31 season, the alternative would be less appetizing. By taking the Bengals’ reported current offer, Hendrickson can upgrade his salary by nearly $12 million.
- Hendrickson's demands: $30M+ per year
- Bengals' offer: Around $28M per year
- Hendrickson has one year/$16M left on his contract