Trey Hendrickson's contract dispute: Bengals' lack of communication sparks uncertainty

As the NFL offseason churns on, some unresolved contract disputes have begun to cast a shadow over training camp preparations. One of the most eye-catching of these is the ongoing contract impasse between All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson and the Cincinnati Bengals . Despite his impressive record-breaking 2024 season, Hendrickson’s future with the Bengals is increasingly uncertain, with both sides failing to come to a consensus. With a lack of communication and mounting frustration, Hendrickson's situation could be the first domino to fall in a changing landscape for the Bengals' defense.


Trey Hendrickson's contract standoff as lack of progress builds amid high expectations



The frustration in Hendrickson's voice is unmistakable. A month after his first public comments about the lack of dialogue, Hendrickson reiterated that no meaningful communication has taken place between him and the Bengals' front office. "No communication has taken place between my camp and the organization post-draft," Hendrickson told ESPN. The absence of discussions comes as a shock, given the promises made last offseason and Hendrickson’s standout performance on the field.


Hendrickson’s 2024 season was nothing short of spectacular. With 17.5 sacks, he led the NFL in that category, marking his second consecutive season with the same impressive total. Since joining the Bengals, he’s been a cornerstone of the defensive line, consistently delivering pressure on quarterbacks and maintaining a high level of play. Yet, despite these on-field achievements, it appears that the Bengals' front office is struggling to align financially with their star pass rusher.


While Cincinnati has committed financially to their explosive offensive trio of Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, Hendrickson is left to watch from the sidelines, feeling like an afterthought. His current $15.8 million base salary for 2025 falls well short of the new standard for elite pass rushers, a gap highlighted by Myles Garrett’s massive $40 million annual deal.


A turning point for Hendrickson and the Bengals
The Bengals’ reluctance to meet Hendrickson’s financial demands is understandable given their financial commitments. However, the team could be risking more than just a disgruntled player if they don’t resolve the situation soon. Hendrickson, who turns 31 in December, knows that this is likely his last chance to secure a long-term, lucrative deal. If the Bengals continue to drag their feet, Hendrickson may not have much patience left.

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At a crossroads, both sides must decide what they value more: loyalty or money. For Hendrickson, this isn't just about a paycheck, it’s about receiving the recognition and respect he’s earned on the field. For the Bengals, it’s a balancing act between retaining their defensive backbone and managing an already tight salary cap. Will Hendrickson and Cincinnati come to an agreement before it’s too late, or will this standoff continue to simmer, leaving Hendrickson no choice but to seek a fresh start elsewhere? Only time will tell.