Money always matters in the NFL. Teams can’t win without talent, and top players expect to be paid like it.
While the Cincinnati Bengals have handed out lucrative extensions on the offense to the likes of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, they have yet to do so to their star defender, who’s willing to sit out the season if his demands aren’t met.
Bengals’ Contract Drama With Star Defender Named Biggest Storyline To Watch in Cincinnati
In the last three seasons, few defensive ends have enjoyed the success that Trey Hendrickson did with the Bengals.
With 43 sacks in his last 49 games, the 30-year-old outpaces other defensive backs. He doesn’t run across social media with chatter or self-promotion. Instead, he lines up, wreaks havoc, then goes home to a quiet existence.
Despite his fantastic play over the last three years, Bengals management seems rather reluctant to discuss an extension. With one year and $16 million remaining on his deal, the defender believes that he deserves more.
PFSN’s Jacob Infante listed his contract situation as the biggest storyline to watch out for ahead of the Bengals’ minicamp, arguing it was time for Cincinnati to lock down its defensive anchor.
“Trey Hendrickson has made it clear he’s willing to sit out if the Cincinnati Bengals don’t meet his contract demands,” Infante wrote. “Hendrickson led the NFL in sacks last year, and losing him would be a big blow to a defense that already has some concerns.
“The Bengals paid their offensive stars — now it’s time to figure out if they’ll do the same on defense.”
Cleveland Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett will make $40 million this year after signing a four-year, $160 million extension earlier this offseason. Over the same three seasons, where Hendrickson tallied 43 sacks, Garrett only posted one more sack, making a strong case for him to be paid like the Browns’ edge rusher.
Trey Hendrickson posted this on his Instagram story with a song titled “Backup plan”
Not sure how to take it pic.twitter.com/Kor19RNKI4
— Blitz Bengals (@Blitz_Bengals) June 3, 2025
Hendrickson’s contract averages out to $21 million per season. Among defenders, that ranks him 30th. Looking deeper, focusing strictly on the defensive end spot, eight players make more.
The Bengals, as of right now, chose offense over defense. They are likely to score a lot of points this season. However, without their star pass rusher, the number of points they give up will be in question.
After re-signing both Chase and Higgins, did the management create a financial imbalance where they cannot pay their best defender? How their official approach with Hendrickson looks will be worth keeping tabs on as the minicamp approaches, with the four-time Pro Bowler having made it clear that he won’t step on the field in 2025 without a new contract.