The Cincinnati Bengals have kept shooting themselves in the foot, with the Trey Hendrickson situation now the latest mess in a growing list. Joe Burrow got his massive contract, and both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins were paid in the offseason.
The Bengals seem to have put all their money into the offense, leaving Hendrickson far from the salary he’s seeking.
Joe Burrow Backs Trey Hendrickson Amid Cincinnati Bengals Contract Drama
Back in March, the Bengals signed Burrow’s top target, Chase, to a four-year, $161 million extension. Higgins also landed a four-year, $115 million deal. Chase became the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, so it’s no surprise Hendrickson wants to become the highest-paid defensive player at his position.
To his credit, Hendrickson has earned it, but it hasn’t happened yet. Burrow talked about Hendrickson’s contract standoff during a recent press conference.
Burrow said this offseason has fewer distractions than last year, with Chase and Higgins now locked in long term.
“Of course,” Burrow said when asked if Hendrickson’s holdout is a distraction. “Last year we had two, this year we have one, so it’s less. You’d love to have none, but that’s life in the NFL. We’re all supporting Trey, and we’d love for him to be back.”
Is Trey Hendrickson’s situation a distraction?
Joe Burrow: “Of course.” #Bengals @WCPO pic.twitter.com/7yihKGkO2E — Marshall Kramsky (@marshallkramsky) June 10, 2025
Shemar Stewart is one name notably missing from Burrow’s comments — and for good reason. Bengals players haven’t had a chance to get to know him. The No. 17 overall pick still hasn’t practiced as contract talks drag on. It’s just another issue for a Cincinnati front office that’s made plenty of enemies this offseason, with Hendrickson’s situation at the center.
Hendrickson is reportedly seeking about $10 million more than his current $16 million base salary for 2025. The team has offered a deal in the $28 million range, but he’s still not satisfied and could be headed to his third NFL team once the season ends. For a Bengals team desperate for stability on defense, losing a pass rusher of his caliber would be a significant loss.
At 30, Hendrickson still has plenty left. He’s coming off a career-high 46 total tackles and has played all 17 games in each of the past two seasons. His 17.5 sacks last year matched his total from the year before, bringing his career total to 77 since entering the league with New Orleans.
During his rookie contract with the Saints, the FAU product had just 20 sacks over four seasons. He signed a four-year, $60 million deal with Cincinnati in 2021. His first year was outstanding. While he dipped in 2022, he’s bounced back strong over the past two seasons.
It’s easy to see why the 6-foot-4, 265-pound defensive end wants a major payday. Burrow and the rest of the team can only hope the front office figures it out before it’s too late.