An interesting development has unfolded in the saga surrounding Trey Hendrickson and a possible contract extension with the Cincinnati Bengals. Speaking on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Hendrickson shed some light on the situation while addressing recent comments made by the team’s executive vice president, Katie Blackburn.
Bengals Executive Blames Trey Hendrickson for Contract Delay
While at the 2025 NFL owners’ meeting in Palm Beach, Florida, Blackburn addressed Hendrickson’s contract situation. Speaking to Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Blackburn suggested the holdup was on Hendrickson’s side.
“I think he should be happy at certain rates that maybe he doesn’t think he’d be happy at,” said Blackburn. “I think some of it is on him to be happy at some point, and if he’s not, you know, that’s what holds it up sometimes. So, you know, it takes him to say yes to something, and also, we have all the respect in the world for him.
“He’s been a great player. We’re happy to have him. And so maybe we’ll find a way to get something to work. We’re just gonna see where it goes.”
Hendrickson was granted permission to seek a trade after contract talks stalled. Since then, though, the Bengals have expressed hope of getting a deal done.
Hendrickson Hits Back at Katie Blackburn
Appearing on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Hendrickson shifted the blame toward the team. The 2024 NFL sack leader revealed that the Bengals had made little effort to contact him or his agent despite promising in 2024 that a deal would get done.
After his host read Blackburn’s statement, Hendrickson took the opportunity to respond.
“That [Blackburn’s statement] was a little disappointing because communication has been poor over the last couple months.”
Hendrickson then revealed that talks over a new contract are something the team has made him wait multiple years for.
“Last year and the year before, I’ve been talking about [a] long-term contract, guaranteed money, things like that. And it was discussed with me, in a meeting — which I’m very fortunate to have had with my agent — that we would get something done this year.”
According to the team’s defensive star, the Bengals encouraged him to work hard in 2024 to earn the contract talks they had promised.
“So, that being said, last year: ‘Go out and play, play to the level you have and we’ll get it done.’ That was communicated with me. So that basically [meant], you know, this year, it’s gonna get worked on. They also reiterated that at the combine.”
"Those comments from Katie Blackburn were definitely disappointing & communication has been poor over the last couple of months..
It's been a little bit frustrating & if they have anything they'd like to discuss we're definitely willing to listen" ~ Trey Hendrickson #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/C9PUdfKewj
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 2, 2025
Having publicly called out the team’s contradictions, Hendrickson made it clear the door was still open.
“They’re more than welcome to call me. I’ve had my cell phone — same cell phone number since high school. [An] open line of communication is always open with me and my agent. So if they have anything they’d like to discuss, we’ve been nothing but willing to listen.”
After being made to wait multiple years for a new deal, Hendrickson has only gotten better each season. Now, after four straight Pro Bowl appearances, it seems like he’s no longer willing to continue waiting.