The situation between the Cincinnati Bengals and their standout pass rusher, Trey Hendrickson, is heating up. Reports indicate that Hendrickson will not attend the team’s mandatory minicamp, signaling a clear message about his contract situation.
As he enters the final year of his contract, Hendrickson is seeking a pay raise above the $16 million he’s slated to earn this season. By opting to skip minicamp, he faces a financial penalty of $105,000, but he’s banking on this bold move to nudge the Bengals towards giving him the long-term deal he’s after.
At just 30 years old, Hendrickson has established himself as one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL since joining the Bengals in 2021. His impressive resume includes four consecutive Pro Bowl selections, a first-team All-Pro nod from last season, and a hefty tally of 17.5 sacks in each of the last two campaigns. He’s been a cornerstone of Cincinnati’s defense, and his play has certainly drawn attention and respect across the league.
While the Bengals have prioritized bolstering their offense by securing key players like quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins with substantial contracts, Hendrickson is now looking to shift the focus back to the defensive side of the ball. He’s advocating for the Bengals to show a similar commitment to their defensive stalwarts, and he’s eager to be included among the highest-paid pass rushers in football.
As the minicamp unfolds, all eyes will be on how this negotiation plays out, and whether Hendrickson’s absence will catalyze the Bengals to address his contract demands. It’s clear that the stakes are high, not just for Hendrickson himself, but for the overall composition and competitiveness of the Bengals’ defense heading into the upcoming season.
