FILE - Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) walks off the field following an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Dec. 15, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Stew Milne, File)
According to ESPN Report:Trey Hendrickson, Bengals Remain Deadlocked Toward Reaching Contract Extension…
The Cincinnati Bengals and star defensive end Trey Hendrickson remain at an impasse as talks continue — or stall — surrounding a potential contract extension. With training camp on the horizon and the 2025 NFL season inching closer, the two sides have yet to find common ground, leaving Hendrickson’s long-term future with the franchise in doubt.
Hendrickson, who joined the Bengals in 2021 after signing a four-year, \$60 million deal, has consistently been one of the most dominant pass rushers in the league. Since his arrival in Cincinnati, he has racked up 39.5 sacks over three seasons and has been instrumental in the team’s defensive resurgence. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 2021 and 2023, further solidifying his value as a cornerstone of the Bengals’ front seven.
Despite his high-level performance and leadership, negotiations for a contract extension have reportedly stalled. Sources close to the situation indicate that Hendrickson and his representatives are seeking a deal that reflects his elite production and market value — likely one that places him among the highest-paid edge rushers in the NFL. The Bengals, however, appear hesitant to commit to a new long-term deal while Hendrickson still has time remaining on his current contract, which expires after the 2025 season.
This standoff comes at a critical time for the Bengals, who are also managing the financial implications of recent big-money deals given to stars like quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. The organization must strike a balance between rewarding existing talent and preserving cap space to maintain a competitive roster for years to come.
From Hendrickson’s perspective, the desire for security and recognition is understandable. At 30, he is approaching the typical peak of an NFL defensive end’s career. Locking in a lucrative extension now would ensure financial stability and a clear commitment from the Bengals moving forward. For Cincinnati, however, extending Hendrickson prematurely could present risks, particularly if his production declines with age or if injuries become a concern.
As voluntary OTAs and mandatory minicamps approach, all eyes will be on whether Hendrickson chooses to participate or if contract frustrations will spill over into a holdout or reduced involvement in team activities. While there’s no indication of bad blood between the player and the front office, the lack of progress toward a deal underscores the business-first nature of today’s NFL.
Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring the situation, as Hendrickson’s presence on the field has been a game-changer for the Bengals’ defense. Without him, Cincinnati would be left with a sizable hole to fill in both leadership and pass-rushing production.
For now, the standoff continues. Whether the Bengals will make a move to secure Hendrickson’s services beyond 2025 remains an open question — but with each passing day, the pressure mounts to find a resolution that satisfies both sides.
