After initially holding out from training camp amid a contract dispute with the Cincinnati Bengals, the superstar pass rusher has returned to Cincinnati but still isn’t actively participating in team drills. While he’s not playing, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said his presence is still positively impacting the team in other ways.
Zac Taylor Weighs In on Trey Hendrickson’s Limited Return to Bengals Camp
After missing several of the first practices of Cincinnati’s training camp, Hendrickson returned about a week ago but still has not been practicing.
Hendrickson’s “hold-in” is due to his inability to agree with the team on a contract extension. The Bengals star is seeking a new deal after back-to-back seasons where he racked up 17.5 sacks.
While Hendrickson is still waiting for a new deal and not participating in team drills, he is around the Bengals’ facility. Taylor told Kay Adams on her “Up and Adams Show” that he’s been helping the younger guys at his position since his return.
Bengals HC Zac Taylor says having Trey Hendrickson around makes a major difference — especially for the younger guys 🚀@heykayadams | @Bengals #WhoDey pic.twitter.com/w7TP7vq6yY
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) August 5, 2025
“I think we have a lot of young players on that side of the ball in his position group,” Taylor said. “So I think every tidbit of information he’s able to give them aside from what Jerry Montgomery is already covering with them, so I think that’s good to hear from a player often.”
The Bengals drafted Shemar Stewart in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft and have a couple of other young pass rushers on their roster in Joseph Ossai and 2023 first-round pick Myles Murphy.
As Taylor points out, Hendrickson’s veteran leadership is awesome to have with so many young guys trying to develop and improve throughout camp.
While Hendrickson may be taking the time to help out some of the younger guys on the roster, it’s clear that he’s adamant about not playing for the team until he gets the deal he’s looking for.
The contract dispute with the Bengals has been ongoing throughout the offseason, and neither side has made significant progress. Hendrickson is reportedly unhappy about the amount of guaranteed money the team is offering him, which has been the biggest setback in negotiations.
If Hendrickson is able to work out a deal with Cincinnati, Taylor believes that he’ll be ready to hit the ground running once the season starts.
“Hopefully, when something shakes out, he’s here, he’s been around the installs, he’s been around the team, and it’s a seamless transition,” Taylor said.
Regardless of whether Hendrickson and the Bengals can reach an agreement, it’s clear that he cares about his teammates and is willing to work with them throughout training camp, even with his future up in the air.
