The Cincinnati Bengals have yet to reach an agreement with defensive end Trey Hendrickson on a long-term contract extension as he approaches the final year of his current deal. Hendrickson, who signed a four-year, $60 million contract in 2021 followed by an extension in July 2023 keeping him on the roster through 2025, is now pushing for greater security with a multi-year deal.
As a four-time Pro Bowler, Hendrickson has made it clear that he will not accept a short-term arrangement. His commitment to securing a longer contract length has led him to miss the team’s mandatory minicamp, signaling his seriousness about the negotiations.
Insights from NFL Insider Highlight the Stakes in Contract Negotiations
NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler offered an update on the ongoing negotiations during his SportsCenter appearance, emphasizing the critical nature of the talks for Cincinnati’s plans. Although the discussions have resumed after some difficulties, no final agreement has been reached yet.
“So it’s been a little sticky for sure, like you said, but they have resumed talks,” Fowler said. “In recent weeks, they’ve been in communication. That is a good sign. It has not led to a deal as of yet, but Cincinnati’s plan all along has been to sign and extend their top three stars…” —Jeremy Fowler, NFL Insider
“They got two done. They know they need this guy… It’s just this is a process with a team that doesn’t give a lot of guaranteed money beyond year one, typically, or how they structure their signing bonuses. He wants more long-term security. This is not a year-to-year proposition for him.” —Jeremy Fowler, NFL Insider
“He’s 30 years old, but he feels like he’s earned big-time money on a multi-year extension, so we’ll see what they fan find, and some middle ground that they hope to find. If not, he is dug in. I mean, he’s prepared to miss time here.” —Jeremy Fowler, NFL Insider
Hendrickson’s Performance and Value to the Bengals
Since joining the Bengals, Hendrickson has been a consistent presence on the field, starting in 63 out of 65 games. His production includes 155 tackles, 53 tackles for loss, 112 quarterback hits, and 57 sacks, which underpin the team’s interest in retaining him for the long term.
Orlando Brown Jr. Comments on Team’s Perspective Regarding Hendrickson’s Situation
Offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr., a Super Bowl LVII champion with the Bengals, shared his view on the contract standoff during a recent ESPN NFL Live interview. Brown highlighted the strong communication within the Bengals’ locker room and accepted that contract disputes are part of the professional football landscape.
“I think we got a very close locker room, first and foremost,” Brown said. “Guys have talked to Trey, guys have talked to Shemar, even with Ja’Marr and Tee (Higgins). When they were going through what they were going through, we spoke to them.” —Orlando Brown Jr., Bengals offensive tackle
“I mean, ultimately, it’s the NFL, it’s a business. It’s part of it, these types of things happen. But I would imagine these deals get done, hopefully sooner rather than later.” —Orlando Brown Jr., Bengals offensive tackle
Additional Contract Challenges Impact Bengals’ Roster Stability
The Bengals are also dealing with contract issues involving their 2025 first-round draft pick, defensive end Shemar Stewart. He has withheld signing his rookie contract due to concerns over language that could void his guaranteed money, adding another layer of complexity to the team’s contract management challenges.
Implications for the Bengals Moving Forward
The Bengals’ ability to secure Trey Hendrickson with a multi-year extension is crucial for maintaining their defensive strength as they prepare for upcoming seasons. Hendrickson’s willingness to miss games to leverage his contract demands reflects his desire for long-term assurance, underscoring a growing trend of players seeking contractual stability. The outcome of these negotiations will likely influence the team’s roster decisions and salary cap planning in the near future.