Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson finds himself embroiled in a contract stalemate as the 2024 NFL season approaches, despite emerging as one of the top edge rushers in the league. Although he continues to produce at an elite level and expresses his commitment to the team, the Bengals have yet to offer a deal that meets his expectations, creating visible tension months before the new season begins.
Hendrickson’s frustration is compounded by the knowledge that other NFL stars have secured lucrative contracts, while the Bengals remain reluctant to finalize an agreement. This contract struggle is an important issue not just for Hendrickson’s personal future but also for Cincinnati’s defensive outlook as they seek to improve their playoff chances.
Hendrickson’s Rising Status Among NFL’s Best Edge Rushers
Over the past two seasons, Trey Hendrickson has firmly established himself as one of the league’s premier pass rushers. According to ESPN’s recent rankings, he climbed three spots to sixth place among NFL edge rushers in 2024, joining elite players such as Myles Garrett, T.J. Watt, and Micah Parsons at the top of the list. Hendrickson’s ability to pressure quarterbacks is widely admired across the league.
One NFL scout emphasized his talent, stating,
“His ability to get to the quarterback by any means necessary is truly impressive.”
—AFC Scout
Despite this, Hendrickson remains without the long-term financial commitment that his production warrants. He played a vital role in ending Cincinnati’s nine-year stretch without an All-Pro selection, proving his impact on the field, yet the front office’s response has been surprisingly muted.
Frustrations Behind the Scenes as Bengals Delay Extension
Even amid Hendrickson’s impressive statistics—17.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 24 quarterback hits in 2024 alone—the Bengals have hesitated to meet the defensive end’s contract demands. Hendrickson acknowledged the lack of direct communication, saying,
“They have not communicated with my agent directly. It’s been something that’s been a little bit frustrating, but again, this is the business of it.”
—Trey Hendrickson
Still, Hendrickson remains hopeful about his place in the Bengals’ future, adding,
“I’m excited to be a Bengal.”
—Trey Hendrickson
He also conveyed his desire for team success, saying,
“My mindset is to win a Super Bowl, and I think we’ve got the quarterback and the pieces to do it. I want to be here a long time. I want to win football games, and I want to bring a Super Bowl to Cincinnati.”
—Trey Hendrickson
Despite these sentiments, insiders believe Hendrickson’s contributions are taken for granted. An evaluator suggested,
“He’s probably taken for granted a little bit.”
—NFL Evaluator
The Bengals prioritized deals for wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins this offseason but have postponed extending Hendrickson’s contract, even though he was responsible for nearly half of the team’s sack production and a significant portion of their total quarterback pressures in the previous season.
Age and Risk Assessment Impact Bengals’ Approach
At 30 years old, Hendrickson’s age factors into Cincinnati’s cautious stance. The team is weighing the risks of a long-term contract versus his valuable on-field output. Yet, Hendrickson is determined not to go through recurring yearly negotiations and seeks the job security befitting his level of performance and leverage.
The ongoing stalemate even affects Hendrickson personally, as he shared,
“We’ve tried to keep it as least amount as personal as possible, but at some point in this process, it becomes personal.”
—Trey Hendrickson
He has also confided concerns to his family about the uncertain future, expressing worry about possible outcomes from this impasse:
“Former players have walked in these shoes and what it foreshadows is not something I’m excited about… I’m hoping it doesn’t come to that.”
—Trey Hendrickson
Risk of Trade Looms Amid Prolonged Negotiations
If the contract talks drag into late August without resolution, a trade becomes a more realistic scenario, despite its risks. The Bengals reportedly do not want to lose Hendrickson but remain unwilling to meet his desired contract terms. This stalemate creates tension internally and threatens to disrupt team chemistry.
Quarterback Joe Burrow has publicly supported Hendrickson’s cause, echoing calls for the team to resolve the negotiation, just as the Bengals succeeded in extending wide receivers Chase and Higgins. Burrow accepts responsibility for the distraction caused, stating,
“[He] doesn’t blame people behind the scenes… he puts it all on his shoulders,”
but emphasizes, “Getting Hendrickson done is important.”
Contract Offer Falls Short Despite Proven Production
The Bengals’ latest proposal reportedly offers $28 million per year, a sum that seems competitive but fails to reflect Hendrickson’s actual performance level. While some rankings place him behind players like Joey Bosa, Bradley Chubb, and Brian Burns, Hendrickson’s recent sack totals eclipse theirs, with 35 sacks in two seasons compared to their combined 39.
This discrepancy calls into question the valuation approach taken by Cincinnati, as Hendrickson’s numbers merit a deal among the NFL’s top earners at his position. The situation mirrors past Bengals contract missteps, where management hesitated on securing key players.
Historical Parallels Highlight Potential Pitfalls for Bengals
The Bengal’s hesitancy echoes previous departures of prominent players like T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who left Cincinnati in 2009 due to financial disagreements. Reflecting on that exit, Houshmandzadeh remarked,
“I know when I left Bengals it was strictly a financial decision. I was getting frustrated, like, ‘are y’all really offering me this? I was underpaid the last 3 years.”
—T.J. Houshmandzadeh
He also noted that outside the team, the Bengals paid other receivers significant guaranteed money while letting their leading player walk away:
“If they offered that to me? I would’ve walked from California to Cincinnati to sign that deal.”
—T.J. Houshmandzadeh
Hendrickson’s current impasse suggests he may face a similar crossroads, caught between loyalty to Cincinnati and the need for a contract that reflects his market value and provides long-term stability.
Bengals’ Business Model Challenges Hendrickson’s Demands for Security
The core of the matter lies beyond headline figures; Hendrickson prioritizes genuine security and guaranteed money rather than nominal yearly pay. Known for dominating his position, he now demands a contract commensurate with his impact on the field and the risks he assumes playing at a high level.
Cincinnati’s forthcoming choices will be telling—whether they will maintain a cautious approach or finally invest in retaining their defensive star and avoid repeating past errors that saw top talents leave under financial dissatisfaction.