Trey Hendrickson’s future in Cincinnati is back in focus after months of silence between the All-Pro defensive end and the Bengals.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the two sides have reopened contract discussions, signalling a possible end to a tense standoff.
Hendrickson, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024, has made it clear he wants a long-term deal. He skipped all offseason activities, including last week’s mandatory minicamp, which resulted in $105,000 in fines. The absence and frustration stemmed from what Hendrickson called a lack of communication with the team during negotiations.
“When there’s a lack of communication in any relationship — business or personal — it leads to animosity,” Hendrickson said during a press conference in May. “That leaves the narrative only to me, with no clear direction.”
The 30-year-old is entering the final year of his current contract and is due to earn $16 million this season. He is seeking a salary more in line with the league’s top pass rushers. Cleveland’s Myles Garrett, who has 44 sacks over the past three seasons — one more than Hendrickson — recently signed a $40 million-per-year extension.
Bengals coach Zac Taylor said the team wants its best players involved but is focused on those currently participating. “Anytime you have great players, you want them to be around,” Taylor said.
Quarterback Joe Burrow acknowledged Hendrickson’s absence is noticeable. “You’d love to have [no contract disputes], but that’s life in the NFL,” he said. “We’re all supporting Trey and would love to have him back.”
While there’s renewed optimism, Hendrickson’s holdout remains unresolved. He’s not the only player the Bengals are negotiating with — rookie edge rusher Shemar Stewart has yet to sign his deal due to a language dispute and hasn’t taken part in any offseason workouts.
With training camp approaching, the Bengals hope recent talks can lead to Hendrickson rejoining the team.
Photo: Perry Knotts/Getty Images
