Trey Hendrickson, who joined the Cincinnati Bengals in March 2021 on a four-year, $60 million contract, currently faces a deadlock in contract extension talks. Despite rumors of a possible trade, recent updates suggest the franchise may keep the defensive end despite ongoing negotiations.

Insider Weighs In on Hendrickson’s Contract and Trade Prospects

During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, NFL insider Ian Rapoport discussed the future of Hendrickson with the Bengals. Contrary to circulating trade speculations, Rapoport expressed confidence that the Bengals will reach a deal rather than part ways with the four-time Pro Bowler.

He explained that while the Bengals might seek significant draft compensation for a trade, acquiring a first-round pick in exchange for Hendrickson makes sense on paper, yet practical challenges remain. According to Rapoport, few teams are willing to offer a first-round pick and then commit to a major new contract for a 30-year-old player.

“I would be surprised as of right now if he got traded because, like let’s say the Bengals held out for a premium draft pick. We’re talking first-rounder. For someone as talented as Trey Hendrickson that would make a lot of sense,” Rapoport said. “The problem is value wise, not every team wants to give up a first-rounder and then a new huge contract to someone who is 30 years old….

Rapoport also stressed the timing difficulty of trading Hendrickson, noting that even if a first-round pick was secured, it could not be used immediately, which would disadvantage the Bengals in the current season.

“If you’re gonna (trade him) now, even if you found a first-rounder, you’re not gonna use it until next year so that hurts the Bengals this year… So the timing makes a trade very hard, I still believe the Bengals are going to pay him,” he added.

Hendrickson Addresses Contract Stalemate at Unexpected Press Conference

On May 13, Hendrickson surprised fans and the media by holding a press event to discuss the stalled negotiations. He revealed the increasing emotional toll the situation has taken, particularly with the looming deadline before mandatory training camp, which threatens fines if he does not attend.

“We’ve tried to keep it as least amount as personal as possible, but at some point in this process it becomes personal. Being sent 30 days before mandatory camp…that if I don’t show up I will be fined alludes to the fact that something won’t get done in that time frame.”

Hendrickson has made a significant impact in his four seasons with Cincinnati, playing in 65 games and starting 63, while accumulating 155 tackles, 12 passes defended, and 11 forced fumbles.

Joe Burrow Voices Strong Support for Hendrickson amid Negotiation Challenges

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has publicly endorsed Hendrickson, emphasizing his admiration for both the player’s abilities and character. Speaking at a press conference, Burrow reiterated that Hendrickson deserves a contract that reflects his performance and hopes he remains with the team.

“You guys all know how I feel about Trey,” Burrow said. “A great player. I love Trey as a guy. He goes out and plays well every single Sunday. He’s very productive. He’s a guy that deserves to get paid and get paid what he wants and what the market is. So we’ll see what happens with that but I love Trey and I hope he’s with us.”

Burrow himself signed a landmark five-year, $275 million extension in 2023, signaling the Bengals’ commitment to retaining core talent as they prepare for the 2025 season. Whether Hendrickson’s negotiations conclude positively remains to be seen, but the team‘s commitment to his value is evident.

What the Future Holds for Hendrickson and the Bengals

As contract talks remain at a temporary halt, the Bengals face critical decisions regarding Hendrickson’s role and future with the franchise. The team‘s reluctance to trade him stems from both his proven impact on the field and the difficulty in securing equitable compensation and replacements within the current season.

Given the public backing from both insiders and key teammates like Burrow, the likelihood of Hendrickson continuing with Cincinnati appears strong despite the current obstacles. This ongoing situation highlights the complexities NFL franchises face balancing player value, salary caps, and competitive timing as they approach the new season.