Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson showed up at the practice facility on May 13 to speak with the media.
The frustrated pass rusher was intentional with his message, and now feels the stalled negotiations are getting personal.
Trey Hendrickson’s Tactical Meeting With the Media
Hendrickson has been clear since the close of the 2024 season that he wants a new contract from the Bengals. There were several offensive pieces the franchise wanted to bring back, all of which have now received new deals.
Both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins got four-year extensions, while the Bengals also brought back tight end Mike Gesicki after an impressive season in 2024.
Hendrickson is thrilled for his teammates getting what they deserve but now stands alone as the only star on the team without a new contract.
The pass rusher told Adam Schefter that he hadn’t had any communication whatsoever with the Bengals since the NFL Draft, and that things had become personal throughout the offseason.
While discussing the matter on ESPN, Schefter explained:
“He’s going into the last year of his contract, and he’s scheduled to make $15.8 million this year. He’s watched Maxx Crosby get north of $35 million a year. He’s watched Myles Garrett get north of $40 million a year, and here Trey Hendrickson is scheduled to make $15.8 million with less time on his deal, closer to free agency.”
.@AdamSchefter gives the latest on Trey Hendrickson's contract news
"[Trey Hendrickson is] frustrated because the team has not only not returned his phone calls since the draft … but [the Bengals] obviously had comments to make at the owners meetings." 😮 pic.twitter.com/TpUIdgmLTR
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL)
Schefter went on to say Hendrickson has been frustrated with the lack of communication from the franchise, as well as the comments that were made at the NFL owners meeting.
Those comments came from the Bengals executive vice president, Katie Blackburn, who said:
“I think he should be happy at certain rates that maybe he doesn’t think he’d be happy at. I think some of it is on him to be happy at some point, and if he’s not, you know, that’s what holds it up sometimes.”
Hendrickson led the NFL in sacks with 17.5 in 2024, the same number he posted the season before. He’s been a first-team All-Pro in back-to-back seasons and, by far, the most disruptive defensive player on the field since he arrived from New Orleans in 2021.
The two are now in a stalemate, but Hendrickson has stood firm on his side of the negotiation.
Defensive Star Will Not Play on Current Contract
Hendrickson has been brutally honest about his current position, and it’s very simple. He will not play for the Bengals in 2025 on his current contract.
He told the media he received a text message several weeks ago from head coach Zac Taylor, threatening him with fines if he didn’t show up and play. At this point, Hendrickson doesn’t seem phased by those threats, waiting to either sign a new deal or find a trade partner who would be willing to offer him what he feels he’s worth.
The market for defensive ends took a major leap this offseason when Myles Garrett signed a record-setting four-year, $160 million deal. He’s now the highest paid defensive end in NFL history, and Hendrickson feels he belongs in that same ballpark.
The Bengals star has been outstanding since he originally signed with the team in free agency four years ago. He’s totaled 57 sacks during his time with the franchise, but the two are miles apart on a new deal as it stands.
Trey Hendrickson is the missing piece we need 🔒🎯#Httc 💯