CINCINNATI — Trey Hendrickson is gearing up for a pivotal moment in his career as he navigates the final year of his contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. If he plans to take the field in 2025, it’s clear he’ll need a new deal.
Speaking candidly to reporters this past Tuesday, Hendrickson delved into his ongoing contract talks, emphasizing his desire for a long-term extension. Clad in a golf cap and a casual blue polo, he held court for more than 20 minutes during the team’s offseason workout, tackling the nuances of his situation while the Bengals wrapped up their voluntary session.
Things came to a head earlier this week when Hendrickson received a text from Bengals coach Zac Taylor. The message warned that skipping the mandatory minicamp, set for just four weeks away, would result in a fine. Hendrickson didn’t shy away from expressing how that communication felt alarming given the circumstances.
“We’ve tried to keep it as least amount as personal as possible, but at some point in this process it becomes personal,” Hendrickson explained. He elaborated on how a firm reminder like that, so close to the minicamp, subtly highlights the lack of progress in their discussions.
At 30 years old, Hendrickson has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the NFL. Since joining Cincinnati in 2021 as a free agent, he has consistently impressed, leading the league with 17.5 sacks last season and becoming a crucial part of the Bengals’ journey back to prominence, including ending a nine-year drought without an All-Pro selection.
In March, the Bengals made a notable move by allowing Hendrickson to explore potential trade options. But on Tuesday, he aimed to clarify the misunderstanding surrounding those discussions, stating, “There’s no way of knowing that,” when referring to what the team might want in return should a trade have materialized.
While the Bengals seem to be leaning toward a short-term contract for Hendrickson, he remains firm on securing long-term security with the franchise. His pursuit of a new deal has been persistent, and it’s clear he’s no stranger to the complexities of contract negotiations. Just last season, he signed a one-year extension on his previous four-year, $60 million deal, all while expressing a desire for a longer contract.
Hendrickson raised valid points about the shifting landscape of contracts in the league, particularly highlighting how Myles Garrett’s recent extension has raised the bar, averaging $40 million annually. It’s a clear indication that the market is evolving, and Hendrickson is keenly aware of those changes.
Tensions between Hendrickson and the front office appear to have escalated, especially following some comments made by management during league events that rubbed him the wrong way. Using the analogy of shark attacks, he noted that there’s a distinct difference between provoked and unprovoked reactions.
“I think we’re all spent,” Hendrickson said, acknowledging the pressure this situation has placed on both sides. Yet, he remains hopeful about the future of his relationship with the Bengals’ decision-makers, offering praise for Taylor and expressing that honesty has prevailed throughout their dealings.
Ultimately, Hendrickson believes reconciliation is possible, drawing parallels to the relationship dynamics of other players in the league who faced similar challenges. “That relationship will repair with time,” he stated, confident that the awkwardness of the business side of football is just a phase they’ll need to endure.
As the Bengals head into the new season, all eyes will be on how this contract situation unfolds and what it might mean for both Hendrickson’s future and the Bengals’ quest for greatness in a fiercely competitive league.
