Trey Hendrickson has been one of the most dominant pass rushers in the NFL over the past two seasons, but despite his production, the Cincinnati Bengals still haven’t rewarded him with a new contract. Hendrickson is skipping mandatory minicamp, and frustration is mounting — not just from the player, but from those who believe he deserves to be paid.
Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III made his stance clear, taking to X to demand that the Bengals give Hendrickson the deal he has earned.
Robert Griffin III Backs Trey Hendrickson, Criticizes Cincinnati Bengals for Contract Delay
Hendrickson is entering the final year of his contract and is set to make $16 million in 2025. But he’s made it clear he won’t play under his current deal. The Bengals have over $27 million in cap space, yet negotiations have stalled, leaving Hendrickson without a long-term extension.
Skipping minicamp is the latest step in his holdout, and it’s costing him. Players who miss mandatory workouts face fines of up to $104,768 over three days. But for Hendrickson, the financial hit is worth it if it forces the Bengals to finally negotiate.
Griffin didn’t hold back when weighing in, posting on X:
“Simply put, the Cincinnati Bengals should pay Trey Hendrickson what he has EARNED. Led NFL in sacks back-to-back seasons. Led NFL in pressures above expectation at +16.6. 2nd in pass rush win rate. Played every game the last 2 years and 70% of the defensive snaps. PAY HIM.”
Simply put, the Cincinnati Bengals should pay Trey Hendrickson what he has EARNED.
Led NFL in sacks back to back seasons Led NFL in pressures above expectation at +16.6 2nd in Pass rush win rate Played every game the last 2 years and 70% of the defensive snaps.
PAY HIM. pic.twitter.com/UD7MGhRjbr— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) June 10, 2025
His message is simple. Hendrickson has been one of the best defensive players in football, and the Bengals should reward him accordingly.
NFL Sack King Holding Out as Bengals Stall on Extension
Hendrickson has been a game-changer for Cincinnati since arriving in 2021. His 2024 season was elite. In 17 games, he recorded 41 total tackles, 28 solo tackles, 17.5 sacks (which led the NFL), two forced fumbles, and six pass deflections.
Over the past two seasons, he has totaled 35 sacks, making him the most productive pass rusher in the league. His ability to pressure quarterbacks, force turnovers, and anchor the Bengals’ defense has been invaluable.
Despite Hendrickson’s dominance, the Bengals have been hesitant to commit to a long-term deal. They’ve prioritized extensions for Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins. But Hendrickson remains without a new contract.
If Cincinnati doesn’t act soon, it risks losing its best defensive player, whether by trade or free agency next offseason. For now, Hendrickson’s holdout continues, and the pressure is on the Bengals to make it right.
