Trey Hendrickson has started his training camp holdout with the Cincinnati Bengals due to stalled contract talks. The main sticking point in the negotiations centers on guaranteed money, as Hendrickson seeks an extension that includes long-term financial security.
Hendrickson is currently set to earn a $16 million base salary in the final year of his existing contract this season. The Bengals veterans reported to training camp on a Tuesday, but Hendrickson shared a photo indicating he remained in Florida rather than joining the team.
Player’s Recent Movements and Contract Offers
Before heading to Jacksonville, Hendrickson spent about a month at his Cincinnati home, focusing on training. He and his wife chose to leave as the training camp approached due to unresolved contract issues. Hendrickson disclosed to Dianna Russini of The Athletic that he had received two contract offers within a 24-hour period before camp began, but neither included guarantees beyond the 2026 season.
“I was more than willing to take less in some ways in order to make this work,”
Hendrickson told Russini.
Financial Demands and Bengals’ Resistance
The core obstacle in the talks is the Bengals’ unwillingness to provide guaranteed money extending beyond next season. Hendrickson is not pushing to become the highest-paid defensive player; surpassing T.J. Watt’s three-year, $123 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, signed just last week, appears beyond his current demands. However, the Bengals remain reluctant to commit to long-term guarantees despite Hendrickson’s high performance.
According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the refusal to offer more extensive guarantees is the primary reason for the ongoing impasse.
Hendrickson’s Performance and Team Concerns
Over the past two seasons, Hendrickson recorded 35 sacks, the highest total in the NFL during that period. He achieved 17.5 sacks in each season and finished second in the 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year voting. Despite his significant impact, the Bengals possibly have reservations due to Hendrickson turning 31 during the upcoming season, which may affect their long-term plans.
The Bengals’ defense needs reinforcement, so delaying agreement with one of their top defensive players presents a risk. Their cautious approach to contract guarantees underscores a tense and complicated negotiation atmosphere.
Implications for the Bengals and Hendrickson’s Future
The ongoing holdout and contract uncertainty highlight a critical moment for both the Bengals and Hendrickson. If an agreement is not reached soon, the team risks missing out on one of its most effective defensive talents at a crucial time. This holdout could affect the Bengals’ defensive strength during the upcoming season and demands careful attention from the franchise’s management moving forward.
The resolution of these talks will likely influence how the Bengals approach contract guarantees for veteran players in the future, especially as they balance performance with age-related concerns.