The ongoing contract dispute between the Cincinnati Bengals and their star defensive end, Trey Hendrickson, has arguably received less attention than it should have. Hendrickson has been left feeling overlooked and undervalued by his team after receiving multiple false promises regarding his deal.
With talks having turned hostile, there is a growing feeling that Cincinnati will let the issue drag into the season, with many expecting the player to sit out until a resolution is found. According to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, though, many around the league expect the Bengals to figure things out.
Bengals Encouraged to Pay Up for Trey Hendrickson
In a recent report by ESPN, Fowler revealed that some parties in the NFL believe, contrary to popular belief, that the Bengals will find a way to re-sign Hendrickson. Fowler quoted one NFL executive who thinks that the two sides could eventually reach a compromise.
“I still think they can come to a compromise, getting him above that $ 30 million threshold while covering themselves,” they told Fowler.
The Bengals would have to move some pieces around financially to put themselves in a position to afford a new deal, but the most prolific sack artist in the league last season is surely worth it. The Bengals missed out on the playoffs for the second straight year in 2024 due to their defensive struggles, and losing Hendrickson would be a massive blow.
When speaking on the situation in interviews, Hendrickson has been ruthlessly open about his frustrations with the team, citing a complete lack of communication. The player has revealed that, in two consecutive seasons, he has been promised a deal that never arrived. The pass rusher was always going to be frustrated by Cincinnati’s refusal to pay him at market value, but the way that the team has handled the situation has made things worse.
‘He Deserves To Get Whatever He’s Asking For’
Fowler, however, went on to reveal a bleak reality for Bengals fans, having spoken to several people who had a less optimistic view of the situation.
“If no deal occurs, I’ve spoken to several people who believe Hendrickson very well might follow through on his promise to miss games or even the season,” Fowler said.
Hendrickson missing a game or two would be a huge blow to Cincinnati; Hendrickson missing the season would be an embarrassment for the organization. But, appearing on an episode of “Up & Adams” recently, Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David suggested that Hendrickson is worth what he wants and shouldn’t have to back down.
“You know what you’re gonna get from him, play in, play out, and he’s gonna dominate every time. You know, he had double-digit sacks for a reason.”
“He [Trey Hendrickson] deserves to get whatever he’s asking for….”
Bucs Legend Lavonte David knows Trey well…
Love this so much @LavonteDavid54 #WhoDey @Bengals
— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) May 29, 2025
David suggested that Hendrickson may not be getting the respect he deserves because he isn’t as “flashy” as some of the NFL’s other huge stars.
“He’s not a flashy guy, and I think that’s what the issue might be. Some people get caught up in the looks of a person and things like that, instead of the production that the guy’s bringing on the field. And, with his production, he deserves to get what he’s asking for,” David said.