For most NFL teams, a player’s holdout tends to create a wave of pressure that eventually leads to a resolution. However, the Cincinnati Bengals are not your typical franchise when it comes to contract negotiations and player dynamics.
The Bengals have established a reputation that prioritizes power and precedent over the well-being of their players during contract disputes, and they are unlikely to relent in the face of a holdout, as defensive end Trey Hendrickson can attest. That’s why Hendrickson’s decision to report to training camp is a savvy one.
By staying away, Hendrickson would have racked up hefty fines of $50,000 for each day missed. While one might speculate whether the Bengals would have ever considered forgiving those fines, the increasing total would have only added to the financial burden of holding out, without shaking the team’s resolve. As Hendrickson’s holdout dragged on, the stakes would have climbed even higher; missing game checks of $877,000 each for regular-season games would have compounded the losses, especially considering reports that the Bengals had previously floated a potential offer nearing $28 million per year, a significant jump from his current base salary of $15.8 million.
If Hendrickson had opted to remain absent, he could have easily found himself in a situation akin to what Haason Reddick faced last year—an analogy that surely weighed on his mind as he decided to report for duty. The reality of the situation dawned on him: this holdout strategy simply wasn’t going to yield favorable results.
Of course, now that Hendrickson has arrived, there’s the question of his participation in practice. He may be tempted to ease back into things, but the Bengals have a history of being strict in these situations. Last year, they instituted fines on receiver Ja’Marr Chase when he held in, indicating their strict approach even when fines can be waived. Should Hendrickson choose to opt out of practice, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Bengals respond with similar discipline.
Moreover, if he were to cite an “injury” as a reason for limited participation, the Bengals might challenge that assertion directly. The underlying message here is clear: now that Hendrickson is back, there’s no room for retreat. If he were to neglect to report for five days again, the Bengals could effectively end his season and relieve themselves of any further financial obligations to him.
Would taking a hard stance hurt in the short term? Absolutely. Yet, in the long run, it would reinforce a critical narrative for the team: they are in control. They define the terms of engagement and will remain steadfast long after individual players leave the field.
Ultimately, Hendrickson’s best course of action is to recommit to the game, gearing up for the season ahead, and be ready to accept whatever final offer the team puts on the table before Week 1. Even if it falls short of the annual salary he desires or offers only a fraction of guaranteed money up front, it’s a reality he must face.
The candid truth is, at this juncture, Hendrickson has folded, and that’s perfectly acceptable given the circumstances. With the Bengals, this was the only path that made sense.
