CINCINNATI — Trey Hendrickson has been present at Bengals training camp since July 30, attending every practice, yet he has refrained from fully participating as he continues to negotiate a new contract. The ongoing Trey Hendrickson Bengals contract saga remains unresolved with the regular season approaching, leaving uncertainty about whether the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL’s 2024 sack leader will suit up for Week 1.
Remaining NFL Holdouts Highlight Contract Challenges
Following James Cook’s recent contract agreement with the Buffalo Bills, only three players remain as hold-ins around the league: Trey Hendrickson, Micah Parsons, and Terry McLaurin. While Parsons and McLaurin have publicly sought trades, Hendrickson has taken a more subdued approach, showing up daily at Bengals practice while refraining from full participation, a behavior reflecting his desire to secure a better deal.
Hendrickson’s Role at Camp Resembles a Coaching Position
Despite not playing, Hendrickson has contributed by closely observing and assisting with the defensive line throughout camp. His involvement goes beyond that of a typical holdout, as he has effectively taken on responsibilities similar to an assistant coach. This has earned praise from teammates and staff who recognize his value to the team beyond the field.
“Why is it big for Trey Hendrickson to be at training camp? For times like this: He spent some time coaching up Shemar Stewart after some D-line drills #Bengals pic.twitter.com/spBGzf5D8k” —John Breech, Reporter
Hendrickson has notably worked with Shemar Stewart, the Bengals’ first-round draft pick who also experienced contract delays before reporting to camp. The veteran’s mentorship is an important resource for younger players learning the ropes.
“His biggest thing is that me and you are not the same,” Stewart said this week. “But if I can give you a little couple details to make your game better and you can flip it to where it works for you, at the end of the day you become a little bit better. One day, eventually, I’ll be like him.” —Shemar Stewart, Rookie Defensive Lineman
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has expressed appreciation for Hendrickson’s influence on the team despite the ongoing contract talks.
“For him, being a veteran player, being able to come in and pass down the knowledge that he’s gotten from his own experience — from past players that have given him that knowledge — I appreciate that he’s out there helping these young guys get better,” Taylor said recently.
Hendrickson Signals Readiness to Play, Contract Still Unsettled
When asked about his readiness for the upcoming season amidst contract delays, Hendrickson kept his response brief but clear, indicating that he plans to play if a deal is reached in time.
“I’ll be ready,” he told CBS Sports. This suggests that he intends to participate in Week 1 as long as the situation is resolved before the Bengals’ opener against the Cleveland Browns on September 7.
However, he declined to comment on whether his outlook on the negotiations has shifted after two weeks in camp. The primary sticking point centers on guaranteed money.
Dispute Over Guaranteed Money Fuels Contract Impasse
The Bengals‘ current offer reportedly includes only one year of fully guaranteed salary, contrasting with other top pass rushers such as Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt, who have secured multi-year guarantees. This conservative guarantee policy has been Cincinnati’s norm for years but has been adjusted for some star players like quarterback Joe Burrow. Hendrickson’s demand for increased guaranteed money is supported by precedent within the team.
Hendrickson’s reported base salary for 2025 is set at $15.8 million, and he seeks a raise that could more than double that figure. Pro Football Talk reported in mid-May that the Bengals had offered up to $28 million per year, although it remains unclear if the offer has evolved since then.
Despite facing fines of $50,000 per missed day prior to reporting, Hendrickson has continued to press for better compensation. Reflecting on his contract talks, he remarked:
“Things are exactly the same,” when comparing negotiations from late July to early June.
Bengals owner Mike Brown expressed hope for a resolution during a July 22 interview:
“I think we’re in a good spot. I hope this thing comes together soon. I’m just going to leave it at that.” —Mike Brown, Bengals Owner
On the same day, Hendrickson labeled the offer as atrociously low regarding guaranteed money in a discussion with Manti Te’o.
Hendrickson’s Value and Team’s Urgency to Finalize Deal
T.J. Watt tops the league as the highest-paid pass rusher at $41 million annually, but Hendrickson does not seek to surpass that figure. Instead, his goal is a contract that fairly reflects his league-leading performance of 17.5 sacks last season. The Bengals face a balancing act between their historical limited guarantee approach and retaining a crucial defensive asset.
The Bengals hold leverage, since Hendrickson remains under contract for 2025, with a per-game paycheck of $877,777 at stake if he misses games. Hendrickson has indicated he will not play under his current deal, escalating the urgency as the regular season nears.
Hendrickson’s importance was evident during Cincinnati’s preseason opener, where the first-team defense was repeatedly beaten by the Eagles’ second-string offense in a 34-27 loss. His presence on the field is necessary to avoid a slow start, a struggle the Bengals have battled through recent seasons.
In fact, Cincinnati has lost their first two games of each season since 2022. The absence of key players early on contributed to last year’s disappointing 16-10 defeat against the New England Patriots in Week 1, where Ja’Marr Chase missed all preseason training camp sessions.
With quarterback Joe Burrow performing in his prime, securing Hendrickson’s participation will be vital for giving the Bengals the best chance to compete in 2025. Both the player and the team have strong incentives to close the gap quickly and ensure Hendrickson takes the field when the games begin.