Uncertainty continues to swirl around star defensive end Trey Hendrickson as the Cincinnati Bengals navigate a tense contract standoff.
Hendrickson, who is entering the final year of his current deal, is holding out for a more lucrative contract – and now has the public backing of franchise quarterback Joe Burrow.
Hendrickson, one of the NFL’s most disruptive edge rushers, is set to earn a base salary of $15.8 million this season with a cap hit of $18.6 million.
Despite leading the league with 17.5 sacks in 2024 and earning First-Team All-Pro honors, the Bengals have yet to offer a deal that meets his expectations.
Hendrickson has made it clear he has no intention of playing under his current contract, which he believes undervalues his production.
During a media session Tuesday, Burrow didn’t shy away from voicing his strong support for his teammate.
“Yeah, we’ll see what happens with that,” Burrow said. “You know, you guys all know how I feel about Trey, he’s a great player. I love Trey as a guy. He goes out and plays well every single Sunday.
“He’s very productive. He’s a guy that deserves to get paid and get paid what he wants and what the market is. So, you know, like I said, we’ll see what happens with that. But you know, I love Trey and hope he’s with us.”
Burrow’s comments reflect the sentiment of a locker room that understands Hendrickson’s value, not just in stats, but in leadership and tone-setting.
Since arriving in Cincinnati in 2021 after four seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Hendrickson has been a relentless force on the edge, recording 17.5 sacks in each of the past two seasons and earning Pro Bowl honors in every year with the Bengals.
The tension came to a head last week when Hendrickson attended voluntary team workouts but opted not to participate.
Dressed in street clothes, he spoke to reporters and described the contract situation as “personal,” citing a text from head coach Zac Taylor referencing fines for missing mandatory minicamp as one of the moments that escalated the standoff.
Taylor, speaking Tuesday, acknowledged the communication between him and Hendrickson and appeared to downplay any friction.
“I put a lot of time into thinking those situations, there’s real money at stake,” Taylor said. “So I put a lot of time and energy into thinking about how to communicate, when to communicate. And so, that’s just how I handled that one.
“And, yeah, Trey and I have spoken. I think every situation is unique. Every personality is different, every player is different. The timing of everything is different. So, you just adapt as you go with that stuff.
“It was good to see him, good to have him in town. Practice had really wrapped up for the most part. I don’t have any issue with that.”
Despite the ongoing contract standoff, Taylor made it clear he recognizes Hendrickson’s importance to the defense.
“I mean, he’s an elite rusher,” Taylor added. “He’s done a great job in this league for a long time and since he’s been here. So, obviously, he’s a valuable part of our team.”
With training camp looming, the Bengals face pressure to resolve the impasse. For now, Hendrickson remains on the sidelines, and his quarterback is firmly in his corner – a public show of support that may push the front office toward action.
As Burrow put it: “I love Trey and hope he’s with us.” … Only time will tell if Cincinnati’s front office feels the same way – and is willing to pay the price to prove it.
We know Cincy doesn’t have the greatest reputation when it comes to opening their wallets in certain situations … Despite Burrow’s support, do you think the Bengals will end up trading Hendrickson???
