During a preseason Monday Night Football broadcast between the Cincinnati Bengals and Washington Commanders, Bengals pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson discussed his contract negotiations with ESPN’s Laura Rutledge. The talks have yet to reach a resolution as the two sides remain divided over the guaranteed money in a contract extension, despite agreement on salary and deal length. This persistent contract issue has resulted in a standoff well into the offseason.

Details of the Contract Dispute Highlight Guaranteed Money as the Main Issue

According to ESPN’s Ben Baby, Hendrickson and the Bengals are aligned on the average annual value and length of the contract extension. However, the disagreement centers around Cincinnati’s reluctance to guarantee salary beyond the first season, which has halted the negotiation process. Hendrickson is reportedly seeking a larger portion of his contract in guaranteed funds, a demand Cincinnati has not yet met.

Bengals Explore Trade Options Amid Contract Impasse

Following the stalemate, reports emerged over the weekend that the Bengals have been entertaining trade offers for Hendrickson. Dianna Russini of The Athletic revealed that Cincinnati has informed interested teams it is seeking a young defensive player along with a future first-round draft pick in exchange for Hendrickson. However, teams considering a deal face salary cap challenges when attempting to meet Hendrickson’s contract expectations late in the summer.

Comparing Hendrickson’s Contract Demands to Recent Defensive Star Deals

The precise amount of guaranteed money Hendrickson wants remains unclear, though the market for premier pass-rushers has shifted significantly recently. In March, Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders signed a three-year, $106.5 million extension. Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns later agreed to a four-year, $160 million deal, including $123.5 million guaranteed. In July, T.J. Watt secured a three-year, $123 million contract featuring $108 million guaranteed, setting a high benchmark for Hendrickson’s negotiations.

Player Age and Performance Factors in Contract Talks

Hendrickson is entering the final year of his current contract. Both he and T.J. Watt will be 31 by the end of the 2024 regular season, while Myles Garrett will turn 30 in December. Despite the contract uncertainty, Hendrickson leads the NFL since the start of 2023 in regular-season sacks, totaling 35 through early September. This level of performance underscores his value to the Bengals as they prepare for the season.

Team Outlook and Player Status as Season Approaches

DraftKings Sportsbook currently lists the Bengals at -140 odds to reach the 2025 playoffs, indicating confidence in the team’s competitiveness if Hendrickson remains on the roster. However, Hendrickson has missed significant practice time by skipping the voluntary offseason program amid his request for a pay raise. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow expressed optimism that an agreement could be reached closer to the start of the regular season, signaling ongoing discussions remain active.

Implications for the Bengals and What to Watch Moving Forward

The standoff over guaranteed money presents a major hurdle for the Bengals in retaining one of their top defensive players. If unresolved, the team could face difficult decisions regarding trades or restructuring. Hendrickson’s impact on the Bengals’ pass rush and overall defense makes this contract situation critical as the regular season approaches. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see whether agreement is reached in the coming weeks or if the standoff leads to roster changes.

“Rutledge reported that Hendrickson told her that he and the team are in close agreement on the total average annual salary and the length of the deal,” Ben Baby of ESPN noted. “The sticking point remains the guaranteed money in a potential extension, with Cincinnati’s stance on not providing secured salary after the first season leaving progress at a standstill.”

—Ben Baby, ESPN

Cincinnati has told interested teams it is looking for a young defensive player and a future first-round pick in a trade package

—Dianna Russini, The Athletic

face potential salary cap obstacles when it comes to paying Hendrickson the deal he wants this late into the summer.

—Dianna Russini, The Athletic

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow hinted after Monday’s preseason game that he thinks the team could get something done with Hendrickson closer to Week 1.

—Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk