Trey Hendrickson isn’t at Cincinnati Bengals camp, and he’s not coming back anytime soon. The star pass rusher’s contract standoff with the team has reached a breaking point, with guaranteed money sitting at the center of the dispute. While other elite edge rushers secured long-term financial security, Hendrickson finds himself watching from the outside as his teammates prepare for the 2024-25 season without him.
When a player underperforms, teams can cut them without anyone batting an eye. It’s the nature of the business and has been for decades. Front offices hold contracts over players’ heads like the Sword of Damocles, ready to restructure or release them at will. But what happens when a player’s production far exceeds his current deal?
Why Are the Bengals Only Offering Hendrickson One Year of Guaranteed Money?
As NFL teams opened camp, the Bengals faced a noticeable absence that threatens their 2024-25 campaign. Since last season ended, Hendrickson has been seeking a new contract that matches other elite pass rushers whose statistics he has surpassed.
The numbers tell Hendrickson’s story. Over the last two seasons, he tallied 35 sacks. In comparison, players who received new deals include Myles Garrett (28), Maxx Crosby (22), and T.J. Watt (30.5). According to Spotrac, Hendrickson is slotted to make $16 million this season, ranking him 29th in total cash among defensive linemen.
NFL insider Adam Schefter revealed the core issue behind the contractual stalemate.
This is an issue revolving around guaranteed money; the Bengals have been willing to offer only one year of it while other top pass rushers – Maxx Crosby, Myles Garrett, TJ Watt – have gotten three. https://t.co/0Hy4wwJHgD
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 22, 2025
“This is an issue revolving around guaranteed money; the Bengals have been willing to offer only one year of it while other top pass rushers – Maxx Crosby, Myles Garrett, TJ Watt – have gotten three.”
The disparity becomes even more glaring when you consider age. Hendrickson is the same age as Watt and only a year older than Garrett. The one-year guarantee offer feels like an insult, especially for a player considered one of the league’s best at pressuring quarterbacks.
What Does Hendrickson’s Departure from Ohio Mean for His Future?
NFL reporter Ian Rapoport delivered news that speaks volumes about where this situation stands.
“Long-term extension talks between the #Bengals and star Trey Hendrickson broke down over guaranteed money before camp… and Hendrickson has now indicated he left the state. He just posted this on Instagram.”
Hendrickson’s decision to leave Ohio sends a clear message. He doesn’t expect this issue to resolve in the coming days. More importantly, it shows the Bengals front office that he’s serious about his financial demands.
Long-term extension talks between the #Bengals and star Trey Hendrickson broke down over guaranteed money before camp… and Hendrickson has now indicated he left the state.
He just posted this on Instagram. pic.twitter.com/Le2aKris0t
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 22, 2025
The pass rusher wants what he perceives as market value, not just in average salary but also in guaranteed security. With every snap potentially being a player’s last, the ability to secure a large guaranteed sum upfront makes perfect sense from his perspective.
Meanwhile, the Bengals continue to endure what many consider the worst offseason in recent memory among NFL teams. Their best defensive player remains nowhere near camp, and there is no indication that he plans to return soon.
Adding to their concerns, first-round draft pick Shemar Stewart, another pass rusher they’re counting on, also remains unsigned and shows no urgency to finalize his deal.
The timing raises questions about Cincinnati’s priorities. After extending wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, did the front office reveal where they place their emphasis? With their defensive cornerstone holding out and their top draft pick unsigned, the Bengals face mounting pressure to resolve these contract issues before the season begins.
