In a notable turn of events as the Cincinnati Bengals prepare for training camp, star defensive end Trey Hendrickson will not join his teammates when they report on Tuesday. This absence comes just a day before the Bengals kick off camp in downtown Cincinnati, leaving both fans and the organization eager to see how this saga unfolds.
Hendrickson, a four-time Pro Bowler, has not participated in any team activities since the conclusion of last season. If you recall, he had a remarkable campaign, leading the league with 17.5 sacks and earning All-Pro honors. Now, with the final year of his contract looming, the 28-year-old is seeking a more secure long-term deal. The sticking point appears to be the Bengals’ reluctance to offer guaranteed money beyond the first year, a slight that doesn’t sit well given that other top-edge rushers, like Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt, secured more favorable contracts this offseason.
For now, Hendrickson has announced that he’s training in Jacksonville, Florida, which doesn’t alleviate the concern surrounding his status with the team. He recently shared with The Athletic that he spent the last month in Cincinnati, weighing his options after receiving two offers from the team. Unfortunately, neither met his expectation for guarantees. “I wanted to be there, but there’s no way I would be able to sit there in the house and hear the practice whistles while also being a distraction,” he explained.
What’s particularly intriguing is how Hendrickson continues to express a willingness to negotiate. He indicated he would accept a deal that did not fully align with his ideal terms if it helped facilitate a resolution. This signals not just a desire to stay, but an understanding of the Cincinnati organization’s challenges and his place within it.
This contract dispute is coming on the heels of a notable shift for the Bengals. Historically, they have been one of the few teams in the NFL that offered limited guaranteed contracts to non-quarterbacks past the first year. This trend seemed to change recently with Ja’Marr Chase’s substantial contract extension, which included $32.7 million guaranteed, hinting that Cincinnati is willing to invest securely in its stars.
During the offseason, Hendrickson addressed reporters, making it clear that he does not intend to play out his current contract, which carries a cash payout of $16 million. Bengals team president Mike Brown acknowledged that negotiations with Hendrickson have never been simple, but expressed confidence that a resolution is possible: “We like Trey as a person… but when it comes to these negotiations, he pushes hard.”
Head coach Zac Taylor also weighed in on the situation, noting that while he has been in touch with Hendrickson, he contrasts his experienced veteran’s situation with that of rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart, who is also absent due to a contract dispute. “I think any time missed is pretty critical for those guys,” Taylor remarked about the rookies, but highlighted his understanding of what Hendrickson brings to the team.
Age also factors into this equation. As Hendrickson approaches his 31st birthday this season, the Bengals have historically been cautious about investing heavily in players over the age of 30. Nevertheless, he shares the same age as Watt and Danielle Hunter, leading to questions about his value as they weigh his contract demands against the team’s long-term plans.
Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin expressed respect for Hendrickson’s contributions, emphasizing that he’s “a fantastic player” and a significant asset. “If we can come to some agreement that gives him a raise, an extension, that would be great,” Tobin stated, indicating the mutual desire to keep the defensive standout in Cincinnati.
As the Cincinnati Bengals gear up for a critical training camp, the situation around Hendrickson looms large. With defensive coordinator Al Golden eager to enhance a unit that struggled last season, getting Hendrickson back into the fold would be a substantial boon for the team. As tensions linger between player and management, all parties remain hopeful for a swift resolution before the camp kicks into high gear.
