Fresh off one of the most memorable seasons in franchise history, the Detroit Lions have focused on keeping their roster largely intact as they pursue a third consecutive NFC North title.
While the focus with the Lions is clear, one of their leaders momentarily stepped away from the team’s preparations to weigh in on a contract dispute playing out far from Detroit.
Linebacker Alex Anzalone, known for his toughness and leadership – including playing through a broken forearm late last season – made waves when he offered support for Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who is currently at odds with his team over his contract.
In a quote reposted on X, Hendrickson took aim at critics of his stance, saying: “If I sat here with four sacks, they’d want a pay cut and some money back … I’m not going to apologize for rates being paid to defensive ends in the National Football League.”
Hendrickson, who logged 17.5 sacks last season and is under contract through 2025, has said he will not play under his current deal, which is set to pay him $15.8 million this year.
His public comments have intensified the discussion around player compensation and the volatile nature of NFL contracts.
Anzalone’s response was brief but telling. He reposted Hendrickson’s comments, adding a single word: “This.”
The post quickly gained traction, with many Lions fans interpreting it as a recruiting pitch, calling for Hendrickson to leave Cincinnati and join Detroit’s already formidable defense.
Anzalone, noticing the reaction, returned to clarify his intent – implying that his post wasn’t about bringing Hendrickson to Detroit, but rather a show of solidarity with a fellow player navigating the financial tightrope of the NFL.
Needless to say, Anzalone hopes his situation in Detroit doesn’t end up playing out like Hendrickson’s in Cincinnati.
“A little bit transpired between me and Zac,” Hendrickson said, referring to Bengals head coach Zac Taylor. “We’ve tried to keep it as least amount as personal as possible, but at some point in this process, it’s becomes personal.”
According to Hendrickson, Taylor recently sent him a message warning that skipping June’s mandatory minicamp would result in fines. The escalating penalties include $16,459 for the first day missed, $32,920 for the second, and $49,374 for the third – totaling nearly $99,000.
“Being sent 30 days before mandatory camp or how many ever days it is that if I don’t show up I will be fined alludes to the fact that something won’t get done in that time frame,” Hendrickson continued. “With the lack of communication post-draft made it imminently clear to my party – meaning my wife, my son and my agent, a small group of people – that I had informed them that this might not work out.
“I don’t think it was necessary. I think we should have all hoped for the best until proven otherwise.”
Hendrickson, a Pro Bowler with 39.5 sacks over the past three seasons, signed a four-year, $60 million contract with the Bengals in 2021. He later agreed to a one-year extension through 2025. Now, entering the final two years of that deal, he says he’s not willing to play under the current terms.
“Other things have transpired like the importance of me being here in OTAs doesn’t seem to be respected. I think I’ve carried a lot of respect. I don’t mean to insinuate anything about anyone’s character, but that was disappointing. I think that was the word of the offseason,” he added.
Though Hendrickson declined to say whether he would skip training camp, he didn’t dismiss the possibility either.
“I don’t have a predictive analysis,” he said. “I’ve been hoping for the best through the entire process. The only thing that alluded to fines was the text I got yesterday from Zac.
“I thought this was a little early to talk about fines personally with how I’ve conducted myself. I’m incredibly humbled to talk about a potential extension. That’s the part that’s disappointing. Hard work works. I’m a firm believer in that. It’s disappointing.”
Anzalone’s comment offers an interesting public acknowledgment from an active player about the business side of football, especially when concerning a player on another team.
As the Lions prepare to open the 2025 season with Super Bowl expectations and a healthy roster, it’s clear that leadership voices like Anzalone’s extend far beyond the field.
What are your thoughts on Hendrickson’s stance – and Anzalone’s response to it???
