For the first time in months, there’s a renewed sense of optimism regarding Trey Hendrickson’s future with the Cincinnati Bengals.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Bengals and Hendrickson have resumed discussions about his contract and long-term role with the team. The standout defensive end, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024 and earned All-Pro honors, remains firm in his push for a long-term contract extension.
This development marks a significant shift in what had become a tense standoff. Hendrickson skipped all offseason workouts, including the team’s mandatory minicamp last week. His absence from the three-day camp comes with fines totaling nearly $105,000.
The only time Hendrickson appeared publicly this offseason was to hold a lengthy press conference, where he expressed frustration over the lack of communication with the organization regarding his contract status.
“When there’s a lack of communication in any relationship—business or personal—it leads to animosity,” Hendrickson said during a May 13 media session. “That leaves me creating my own narrative with no clear direction.”
Now 30 years old, Hendrickson is entering the final year of his current contract, which will pay him $16 million this season. He has made it clear he does not intend to play under those terms and wants a new deal that places him among the league’s top-paid pass rushers. Over the past three seasons, he’s tallied 43 sacks—just one shy of Myles Garrett, who recently signed a $40 million-per-year extension with the Cleveland Browns.
When asked about Hendrickson’s absence last week, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor acknowledged the importance of having him in training camp, which begins in late July.
“Anytime you have great players, you want them to be around,” Taylor said. “That’s just a decision he’s making right now. We’re focused on the guys who are here.”
Quarterback Joe Burrow also weighed in, calling Hendrickson’s absence a “distraction,” though not an uncommon one.
“You’d love to avoid contract disputes, but that’s part of life in the NFL,” Burrow said. “We’re all supporting Trey and hope to have him back.”
Meanwhile, Hendrickson’s contract situation isn’t the only issue the Bengals are dealing with. Rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart has yet to sign his rookie deal due to disagreement over contract language and has not taken part in any team activities.
