After a brief holdout, Trey Hendrickson, following Terry McLaurin’s lead, returned to the Cincinnati Bengals training camp but is not practicing due to unresolved contract disagreements. The defensive end’s absence from drills comes despite the team’s inability to impose the previous nonwaivable daily fines of $50,000, signaling ongoing tensions as Hendrickson insists on future salary guarantees in his contract talks.
Hendrickson’s Hold-in Without Injury Raises Concerns
Unlike McLaurin’s holdout covered by an injury designation, Hendrickson remains healthy but is withholding full participation as a direct protest against the lack of progress in negotiations with the Bengals. This approach, reported by Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer, underscores Hendrickson’s dissatisfaction with the team’s stance on guaranteed money in his contract extension.
Negotiations Reach an Impasse Despite Hendrickson’s Attendance
Though Hendrickson has shown willingness to engage by attending team meetings, he confirmed that there has been “nothing has changed” in the contract dispute. Source Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic highlights this deadlock, emphasizing the defensive end’s firm position on securing certain guarantees rather than following Cincinnati’s typical contract structure.
Disagreement Centers on Guaranteed Money After Year One
Hendrickson’s demand for contract guarantees beyond the first year remains the primary obstacle, with reports suggesting the Bengals are unwilling to significantly alter their usual framework. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the parties agree on the total contract value, but a substantial gap—estimated at roughly $10 million—exists in guaranteed sums. The Bengals have proposed some partial guarantees in the second year, but Hendrickson finds these insufficient.
Notably, NFL.com analysts Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero mention that although Hendrickson would receive a substantial pay raise in 2025 under the current terms, his priority remains guaranteed salary protections early in the deal.
Precedents and Comparisons Shape Hendrickson’s Demands
The Bengals’ departure from their guarantee policy for players like Ja’Marr Chase—who received full guarantees—contrasts with the traditional deals provided to others, including Tee Higgins, whose substantial contract influences Hendrickson’s expectations. Higgins’ uncertain future with the team and Joe Burrow’s persistent advocacy for Hendrickson add complexity to negotiations.
Burrow’s endorsement emphasizes Hendrickson’s importance, noting his production as a key factor.
“This is the guy that has the most sacks over the last two years,”
Burrow stated.
“Production is value in this league. I know you can think you’re such a good player, but to not have any production doesn’t really matter. So when you have a guy like that, you want to reward him.”
—Joe Burrow, Quarterback
Hendrickson’s Age and Market Comparisons Heighten Stakes
Approaching 31 years old, Hendrickson seeks contract security that reflects his status as a perennial Pro Bowler. While no specific average annual value has been reported, comparisons point toward a figure near the $35.6 million yearly rate Danielle Hunter secured before his age-31 season. Earlier in the year, the Bengals had not tendered any offer in that range, preferring to extend Hendrickson with only a one-year addition following his 2023 season $21 million raise.
Impact of Recent Edge Rusher Contracts on Hendrickson Talks
The edge rusher market has shifted significantly in 2024, with T.J. Watt setting a new ceiling at $41 million per year on a fully guaranteed three-year deal worth $108 million, influencing Hendrickson’s valuation. Meanwhile, other top defensive ends like Nick Bosa and Micah Parsons have also pushed market rates higher, with Parsons’ ongoing contract dispute possibly elevating Hendrickson’s potential market value further.
This competitive environment intensifies the Bengals’ dilemma as contract talks remain frozen on the issue of guarantees, with each side entrenched in their positions.
Next Steps and Potential Outcomes for Hendrickson’s Contract
The ongoing standoff over contract guarantees leaves the Bengals and Hendrickson at an uneasy crossroads. While Hendrickson’s presence at meetings indicates a willingness to find common ground, the gap in guaranteed money and the evolving market for elite edge rushers complicate negotiations. Given Joe Burrow’s vocal support and the changing financial landscape for defensive stars, the resolution will likely have broader implications for contract negotiations across the league.
As the 2024 season approaches, the Bengals must weigh the risks and benefits of their traditional guarantee policies against retaining a key defensive talent whose performance and leadership have become vital to Cincinnati’s defense.