Trey Hendrickson has been the cornerstone of the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense in recent years. He’s done his job perfectly and even led the league in sacks last season. Despite being one of the most productive edge rushers in the NFL, the team hasn’t handed him an extension.
Hendrickson is entering the final season of his contract, and losing him would create significant instability on the defensive end. The Bengals can’t afford to let their best pass rusher walk away without a fight.
NFL Insider Reveals Trey Hendrickson’s Strategy to Handle Contract Dispute
Hendrickson signed a one-year extension to his four-year deal at the end of the 2023 season, keeping him in Cincinnati through 2025. After his stellar play the past few years, he expected the Bengals to negotiate a new deal that reflects his value. Instead, he’s been left waiting while watching other pass rushers cash in.
The veteran has been open about his frustrations and even skipped the mandatory minicamp, racking up over $100,000 in fines. Cincinnati’s defensive end wants a long-term deal that reflects his standing as one of the league’s top pass rushers. Missing minicamp sent a clear message to the front office about his priorities.
Hendrickson is entering the final year of his contract and is set to make $16 million in 2025. He’s made it clear to the front office that he won’t play under his current deal. The Bengals have over $31 million in cap space, so money shouldn’t be the issue.
NFL insider Jeremy Fowler appeared on ESPN to discuss the pass rush market. He shared details about Hendrickson’s contract standoff with the Bengals and the defensive end’s approach to the situation.
“It’s been a little sticky for sure, but they have resumed talks in recent weeks,” Fowler said. “They have been in communication, that is a good sign. It has not led to a deal as of yet, but Cincinnati’s plan all along has been to sign and extend their three top stars – Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Trey Hendrickson.”
“They got the two done. They know they need this guy. 17.5 sacks, he was carrying that defense at times last year. This is a process with a team that doesn’t give a lot of guaranteed money beyond year one, typically, or how they structure their signing bonuses.”
Fowler revealed Hendrickson’s demand from the Bengals, saying, “He wants more long-term security. This is not a year-to-year proposition for him. He is 30 years old, yes, but he feels he has earned big-time money on a multi-year extension.”
He also talked about Hendrickson’s plan if things go south in Cincinnati.
“So, we’ll see what they can find and some middle ground they hope to find. If not, he is dug in. He is prepared to miss time here,” Fowler said.
Pass rush market has exploded. By summer’s end, at least six of top-end rushers should or will have secured mega deal since March.
Taking stock of T.J. Watt, Trey Hendrickson and Micah Parsons status on @SportsCenter with @SkubieMageza pic.twitter.com/kaLLODTs0h
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 5, 2025
The timing couldn’t be more critical for both sides. Training camp is just weeks away, and the Bengals need their defensive leader on the field to make another playoff push. Hendrickson has all the leverage right now, especially with the pass rush market exploding this offseason. Other teams would gladly pay him top dollar if Cincinnati lets him walk, making this a high-stakes game of chicken that could define the Bengals’ defensive future.
Hendrickson’s Elite Production Justifies Big Contract
Hendrickson is seeking a new contract to pay him closer to the NFL’s top pass rushers, such as Cleveland Browns edge Myles Garrett, who secured a four-year, $160 million extension in March. That deal reset the market, and now every elite pass rusher wants similar money. Not only the defense leader, but also one of the most efficient edge rushers in football. His 17.5 sacks in 2024 led the league, and his 43 total sacks over the last three seasons trail only Myles Garrett. Those numbers put him in elite company, justifying his contract demands.
At 30, Hendrickson still has plenty of gas left in the tank. He’s coming off a career-high 46 total tackles in 2024 and has played in all 17 games in the past two seasons. His durability is just as valuable as his production in today’s NFL.
The transformation has been remarkable. During Hendrickson’s rookie contract with the Saints, the Florida Atlantic product had just 20 sacks over four seasons. After a slight dip in 2022, he has reestablished himself as one of the league’s top pass rushers over the past two years.
Training camp is approaching fast, and both sides must find common ground soon. The Bengals have Super Bowl aspirations, and losing their best pass rusher would be a massive blow to those hopes. Hendrickson knows his value and isn’t backing down from his demands.