The countdown to the NFL regular season is almost over, and the fans in Cincinnati should be buzzing about football returning. The main storyline hanging over the team like a storm cloud, Trey Hendrickson’s contract holdout, has now finally been resolved.
Trey Hendrickson Reaches Agreement on Contract With Bengals
Hendrickson wasn’t just another player sitting out for more money. He’s the heart of the Bengals’ defense and one of the league’s most feared pass rushers. Last season, he led the NFL in sacks with 17.5, tying the mark he set the year before.
He was named first-team All-Pro for the first time, racked up 46 tackles, and snagged two AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. Week after week, Hendrickson was the guy opposing quarterbacks circled on the scouting report, and still couldn’t stop.
He deserved a big day, and the Bengals finally rewarded his wishes. The four-time Pro Bowler will be ready to play in the season opener against the Cleveland Browns.
According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, Hendrickson has agreed to a $14 million pay rise, so his salary for the 2025 NFL season will be $30 million.
“Another hold-in ends: Bengals and Trey Hendrickson reached agreement today on a $14 million raise for this year, boosting his 2025 salary to $30 million dollars, per sources,” Schefter wrote on X. “Hendrickson still is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after this season.”
Schefter added, “Trey Hendrickson’s restructure deal in Cincinnati also includes a $1 million incentive that he collects if he plays 60 percent of the plays and the Bengals make the playoffs.”
Another hold-in ends: Bengals and Trey Hendrickson reached agreement today on a $14 million raise for this year, boosting his 2025 salary to $30 million dollars, per sources. Hendrickson still is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after this season. pic.twitter.com/Yhc1iT6ca8
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 25, 2025
Hendrickson had one year left on his deal, and he felt underpaid compared to other top-edge rushers. With a major rise in his salary, the Bengals star will make money on par with the best defensive players in the league, and will have an opportunity to cash in on a big deal next year in free agency.
Since signing his last extension in 2023, all he’s done is dominate, and the market for elite pass rushers has only gone up. Bengals, however, have never been a franchise that likes giving out big, guaranteed contracts. That difference in philosophy is what turned this into a standoff.
At one point, the Bengals even permitted Hendrickson to seek a trade. Fortunately for Cincinnati fans, they’ll get to see their star defensive player on the field helping out Joe Burrow and Co.
A Unique Resolution Between Hendrickson and the Bengals
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, prior to the agreement, the two sides had restarted talks and were considering what he called a “unique” resolution. The idea was that the Bengals might offer Hendrickson more money this season while allowing his contract to expire at the end of the year rather than immediately agreeing to a long-term deal.
Ultimately, Schultz’ update turned out to be true, and Hendrickson will play another season for the Bengals before hitting free agency next year.
Although it’s a unique arrangement, it provided what both parties desire: Hendrickson receives the raise he deserves, and the Bengals are spared from having to make the kind of guaranteed money they’ve avoided in the past.
Sources: The #Bengals have re-started talks with All-Pro DE Trey Hendrickson on a new deal for 2025.
My understanding is the two sides have been exploring a more “unique” avenue to get something done. Giving Hendrickson more money this season while still letting his contract… pic.twitter.com/C4JyBUGWz2
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 25, 2025
For the Bengals, this wasn’t just about a contract dispute. They missed the playoffs last year, and if they’re serious about bouncing back, they need Hendrickson out there terrorizing quarterbacks.
Hendrickson is essential to the Bengals, and it’s obvious that he wanted to be paid fairly. Hopefully, the rest of the Bengals’ defensive players will be better than they were last season now that their leader is fully committed to the team.
