Trey Hendrickson has made it clear: he won’t suit up for the Cincinnati Bengals this season unless his contract situation changes. The star pass rusher told reporters Tuesday that he will not play under his current deal, escalating a standoff with the team.
Hendrickson, 30, appeared at voluntary workouts — but not in uniform — one day after releasing a statement to ESPN’s Adam Schefter claiming the Bengals have cut off contract talks. He voiced frustration over what he called a lack of communication, calling the situation “personal,” though he added the relationship can still be repaired.
His comments followed a message from head coach Zac Taylor that Hendrickson could be fined if he misses mandatory minicamp in June. Hendrickson said the warning suggested no resolution is expected before then.
The veteran defensive end is entering the final year of a contract signed in 2021 and is set to earn $15.8 million in base salary. He had a career-best season in 2023, leading the NFL with 17.5 sacks and earning All-Pro honors. Despite that, he remains without a long-term extension, while fellow All-Pro Ja’Marr Chase received a record-setting $161 million contract this offseason.
Hendrickson has made the Pro Bowl in each of his three seasons with Cincinnati. Last year, he was granted a one-year extension but also requested a trade after the Bengals declined to negotiate a longer deal.
Speaking last month on The Pat McAfee Show, Hendrickson said he’s not looking to become the league’s highest-paid defensive end. Still, he wants a contract that reflects his performance and value to the team.
The Bengals now face a key decision — work to repair the relationship or risk losing one of their top defensive stars.
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