The Cincinnati Bengals began their training camp on Tuesday without one of their top players, edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. Hendrickson is currently holding out as he pushes for a new contract that better reflects his value to the team.
The 30-year-old defensive standout shared an image on Instagram showing he was in Florida, where he usually spends the offseason. His absence marks a continuation of his holdout, which includes missing the recent mandatory minicamp.
Hendrickson’s Performance and Contract Demands
Last season, Hendrickson achieved All-Pro status after leading the NFL with 17.5 sacks. Despite missing the minicamp last month, he participated in an offseason workout in May, where he openly expressed frustration over ongoing contract talks. His aim is to secure a long-term extension with guaranteed money comparable to the league’s top pass rushers.
Currently, Hendrickson is set to earn a base salary of $15.8 million with a cap hit of $18.7 million for the upcoming season, but he and his representatives believe this does not match his contributions or market value.
Team Responses and Negotiation Challenges
Duke Tobin, the Bengals’ director of player personnel, acknowledged the situation, stating,
“He’s earned a raise and an extension, and we’ll continue to see if we can come together on something.”
Tobin also noted the broader challenges the team faces in managing salaries, mentioning,
“Having good players is a good problem to have, and we’ve got a lot of good players, and we’ve got a lot of highly paid players, and fitting it together is what we’re working for.”
Impact and Outlook for Bengals’ Season
Hendrickson’s holdout raises important questions for Cincinnati’s defensive lineup as the camp progresses. His absence during crucial preparation time might affect the team’s readiness. Meanwhile, Bengals officials continue to negotiate in an effort to reach an agreement that satisfies both sides. The resolution of this contract dispute will be closely watched as the season approaches, with significant implications for the team’s defensive strength.