Bengals & Hendrickson Contract Talks Resume
- CINCINNATI -- Teh Cincinnati Bengals and All-Pro defensive end trey Hendrickson have reopened negotiations regarding his contract and future with the team.
- hendrickson, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024, skipped all of the Bengals' offseason workouts, including last week's mandatory minicamp.
- The 30-year-old pass rusher aired his grievances during an extended news conference in May, expressing frustration over the lack of dialog from the Bengals during the negotiation process.
Bengals and Trey Hendrickson are back at the negotiating table, signaling a critical juncture for the team. After months of stalled talks, the Cincinnati Bengals and their star defensive end have resumed contract discussions, with Hendrickson firmly seeking a long-term extension and a meaningful role. This move follows Hendrickson’s absence from offseason workouts, costing him nearly $105,000 in fines. The veteran pass rusher, who led the NFL in sacks last year, desires a deal mirroring those of top-tier defensive players. News Directory 3 breaks down the key details,including the recent news conference. With training camp looming, the pressure mounts. Further complicating matters is rookie Shemar Stewart’s contract dispute. Discover what’s next to see if the Bengals can secure their key players.
Bengals, Trey Hendrickson Resume Contract Talks Amid Standoff
CINCINNATI — Teh Cincinnati Bengals and All-Pro defensive end trey Hendrickson have reopened negotiations regarding his contract and future with the team. This marks a positive shift after months of stalled talks, though Hendrickson remains firm in his desire for a long-term contract extension, seeking a notable role with the team.
hendrickson, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024, skipped all of the Bengals’ offseason workouts, including last week’s mandatory minicamp. His absence subjected him to nearly $105,000 in fines.
The 30-year-old pass rusher aired his grievances during an extended news conference in May, expressing frustration over the lack of dialog from the Bengals during the negotiation process. he is entering the final year of his current contract and wants a deal comparable to other top pass rushers in the league. Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns, who has one more sack than Hendrickson’s 43 over the past three seasons, recently signed an extension averaging $40 million per year.
Hendrickson is slated to earn $16 million this season but has made it clear he does not want to play under his current contract.
bengals coach Zac Taylor acknowledged Hendrickson’s importance to the team as training camp approaches in late July. “I think anytime you have great players, you want them to be around,” Taylor said. “That’s just a decision he’s got going on right now, and we’ll keep focusing on the guys that are hear.”
Quarterback Joe Burrow admitted Hendrickson’s absence has been a distraction. “You’d love to have [no contract disputes] but that’s life in the NFL,” Burrow said. “We’re all supporting Trey and would love to have him back.”
Hendrickson said May 13, “When there’s a lack of communication in any relationship, where it’s a business or personal relationship, lack of communication leads to animosity, and that leaves my narrative only to me with no clear direction.”
Cincinnati faces another contract snag with rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart, who has yet to sign his rookie deal due to a dispute over contract language.Stewart has not participated in any team workouts.
What’s next
The Bengals hope to resolve both contract situations before training camp begins. The team’s future success hinges on securing key players like Hendrickson and developing young talent like stewart.