Defensive end Trey Hendrickson is currently in Florida with the Cincinnati Bengals as training camp prepares to begin, amid unresolved contract extension negotiations. The core issue in the Trey Hendrickson Bengals contract dispute revolves around a significant gap in guaranteed money between the player and the team.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who discussed the matter on the Pat McAfee Show, the Bengals and Hendrickson have mostly aligned on the contract’s length and average annual salary. However, their disagreement centers on the guaranteed portion of the deal, with a difference estimated between $6 million and $10 million. The Bengals are hesitant to guarantee salary beyond the first year of the proposed agreement.
Background on Hendrickson’s Career and Contract History
Hendrickson, now 30 years old, began his NFL journey when the New Orleans Saints selected him 103rd overall in the 2017 draft, following his college career at Florida Atlantic. He completed his rookie contract, which totaled just over $3 million and included a $706,284 signing bonus.
In 2021, Hendrickson signed a four-year, $60 million contract with Cincinnati and contributed notably during their Super Bowl run. The Bengals added a one-year extension in 2023, extending his contract through 2025. That final year includes a base salary of $15.8 million. In the 2024 season, Hendrickson played in all 17 games, compiling 46 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and six pass defenses.
Implications of the Negotiation Deadlock
Despite the current impasse, experts like Schefter anticipate that once resolved, the new contract is likely to span three years. The disagreement over guaranteed money highlights the ongoing financial negotiations teams and key players face, especially those with proven impact like Hendrickson.
The outcome of these talks will influence Hendrickson’s security with the Bengals during the coming seasons, as well as set benchmarks for future contracts within the NFL’s defensive ranks. Fans and analysts will be watching closely as updates become available during training camp.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How fast is Trey Hendrickson?
A. In 2025, he is set to earn a base salary of $15.8 million, impacting the salary cap by $18.6 million. Since joining the Bengals, Hendrickson has made the Pro Bowl four times in a row and recorded 17.5 sacks each of the last two years.