Trey Hendrickson has not participated in the Cincinnati Bengals’ minicamp this week as he remains in a contract dispute, aiming for a substantial extension. His demands have recently come to light, indicating that he is seeking a deal in the range of $106.5 million, similar to the contract awarded to Maxx Crosby by the Las Vegas Raiders.
Unlike some expectations, Hendrickson is not trying to surpass the record-setting contract of his divisional rival Myles Garrett, who signed a four-year, $160 million deal. Instead, he appears focused on securing a fair agreement consistent with other top pass rushers in the league.
“We’ve seen pass rushers play very well, defensive linemen play very well into their mid-30s, and he’s not trying to break the bank. He’s not trying to get above Myles Garrett, which was four years, $160 million. Per my understanding, he’s not trying to get above that. He’s trying to get a fair deal that’s in line with Maxx Crosby’s.”
—Tom Pelissero, NFL Network Insider
The ongoing holdout has sparked trade rumors, with NFL sources indicating that if the Bengals fail to meet Hendrickson’s contract expectations, he could attract significant interest across the league.
Potential Trade Destinations for Hendrickson If Extension Fails
An anonymous personnel executive informed Heavy reporter Matt Lombardo that several teams could pursue Hendrickson should trade talks intensify. Among the most promising fits are the Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, and Arizona Cardinals. The deciding factor for these teams would likely be their willingness to fulfill the financial terms Hendrickson demands.
“The Chargers could be a great fit, and the Rams and Cardinals would both be really good fits, too. It could come down to money if the Chargers or Rams are willing to meet Trey’s number.”
—NFL Scout
These teams are seen as logical suitors due to their need for a pass rusher of Hendrickson’s caliber and their financial capability to offer competitive deals. This possibility adds pressure on the Bengals to resolve the contract stalemate quickly to retain their star defender.
Cincinnati Bengals’ Locker Room Reacts to Hendrickson and Stewart Holdouts
Alongside Hendrickson, rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart is also holding out amid contract disagreements related to protections in his rookie contract. This emerging practice by the Bengals to void future guarantees has contributed to the standoff, causing unease within the team.
Bengals center Ted Karras expressed frustration with the current situation during offseason workouts, emphasizing the importance of resolving these issues for the benefit of the team’s progress and morale.
“I don’t think that there’s any harboring resentment in this locker room to them, and I really hope that both camps can figure this out because we have a really good team. We’ve had a super productive spring, and you just don’t want this to carry over into summer.”
—Ted Karras, Bengals Center
Karras further acknowledged the complex business side of professional football while underscoring the hope that negotiations for both Hendrickson and Stewart would conclude without lingering division in the locker room.
“It’s not the best-case scenario of how the spring could have gone for our first-round pick. But there is pretty serious business aspect to our profession. He has taken counsel from his camp. The main thing I want to say is I don’t think – to either of our defensive ends – there is any harboring of resentment in our locker room. I really hope both camps can figure this out because we have a really good team. We’ve had a super-productive spring. You just don’t want this to carry over into summer.”
—Ted Karras, Bengals Center
Implications of the Contract Standoff and What Lies Ahead
The ongoing contract negotiations for Trey Hendrickson carry significant implications for the Bengals’ defensive strength and the organization’s ability to maintain team cohesion. If a deal is not reached soon, the Bengals risk losing their premier pass rusher either to a trade or future holdout, which could disrupt their momentum following a productive spring.
Trade interest from teams like the Chargers, Rams, and Cardinals further complicates the Bengals’ position, making it imperative for the franchise and Hendrickson’s camp to find common ground. Meanwhile, the additional holdout by Shemar Stewart highlights broader challenges within the Bengals’ contract structures and negotiation approaches.
How these situations unfold will impact the Bengals’ preparations for the upcoming season and test their capacity to keep a talented roster intact amid rising salary demands and shifting contract norms in the NFL.