As the preseason approaches, Cincinnati Bengals owner Mike Brown has become actively involved in the ongoing contract talks with Trey Hendrickson, the NFL’s sack leader. The standoff has drawn attention from Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, quarterback Joe Burrow, and the front office, but Brown’s role marks a higher level of direct influence in the negotiations.

Brown expressed cautious optimism regarding the situation in a recent interview, stating,

“I think we are in a good spot. I hope this thing comes together soon. I’m just going to leave it at that,”

—Mike Brown, Bengals Owner.

Team Leaders’ Efforts and Contract Details Behind the Stalemate

Despite attempts by Zac Taylor and Joe Burrow to ease tensions, the contract holdout has become more public, with Hendrickson revealing how it has affected his personal relationships. Brown emphasized to NFL Network the importance of a swift resolution, saying his position is “the sooner the better.”

The main hurdle is Hendrickson’s $15.8 million salary for the 2025 season, which is the final year of his four-year, $60 million deal signed in 2021. Compared to the highest-paid pass rushers in the league, Hendrickson’s current contract falls short, as elite players like Dallas Cowboys’ Micah Parsons are expected to earn over $34 million annually.

Hendrickson has made clear he will not return to play without an improved contract, expressing frustration with the negotiation process in May. On May 13, he said,

“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,”

—Trey Hendrickson, Defensive End.

Rising Pass Rusher Salaries Reshape Market Expectations

The market for pass rushers has escalated sharply. Last week, Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt set a new standard with a three-year deal averaging $41 million per season, pushing him ahead of Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, who secured a fully guaranteed $40 million per year in March. Other top earners include Danielle Hunter of the Texans at $35.6 million, Maxx Crosby of the Raiders at $35.5 million, with 49ers’ Nick Bosa trailing at $28 million annually.

Hendrickson’s Performance Puts Pressure on Negotiations

Trey Hendrickson’s on-field production has been exceptional, with 17.5 sacks in each of the last two seasons. He boasts a total of 57 sacks and four Pro Bowl appearances during his tenure with the Bengals. Overall, Hendrickson has 77 career sacks in 110 games, split evenly between the New Orleans Saints (2017-2020) and Cincinnati Bengals.

Implications as the Season Nears

The ongoing Trey Hendrickson Bengals contract negotiation highlights the growing financial stakes for top defensive players in the NFL. Owner Mike Brown’s involvement underscores the significance of the situation for the franchise’s future defensive strength heading into the season. How quickly a resolution is reached will likely impact team cohesion and Hendrickson’s availability for the upcoming games.