The Cincinnati Bengals find themselves in a precarious position as they navigate contract negotiations with star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. Having recently signed extensions for key offensive players, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the franchise is now under pressure to secure a deal with Hendrickson, who has threatened to sit out the entire 2025 season if his demands are not met.
On March 16, 2025, the Bengals made headlines by finalizing four-year contracts for both Chase and Higgins, making significant commitments to their passing game. Chase's deal is reportedly worth $161 million, while Higgins signed for $115 million, demonstrating the team's willingness to invest heavily in their star receivers. However, with the dust barely settled, Hendrickson remains in limbo, still waiting for his new contract.
As of March 21, 2025, sources indicate that while the Bengals are working to retain Hendrickson, they had also allowed him to seek trade opportunities earlier this offseason. The market for edge rushers has shifted dramatically, with notable contracts handed out to players like Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby. This uptick in salaries has only amplified Hendrickson's expectations, as he is reportedly looking for something exceeding $30 million annually.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN highlighted Hendrickson's potential drastic measures, stating, "It’s entirely possible that Hendrickson will sit out the entire 2025 season without a long-term deal." Such a move would be unprecedented for Hendrickson, who recorded an impressive 17.5 sacks last season, his second consecutive year surpassing the 17-sack mark, which fueled his demands.
According to various reports, Hendrickson’s frustrations stem from the Bengals' failures to finalize a contract extension last year. Hendrickson, who turned 30 recently, has been at the heart of trade rumors since receiving permission to explore other opportunities. Yet, reports reveal that the trade market has not materialized as hoped. Hendrickson's value is clear, with statistics showing he tallied 54 pressures, 36 QB hits, and 19 tackles for loss in his last season, making him one of the most productive edge rushers in the league.
Furthermore, insiders note that the Bengals might need to consider alternative strategies if they cannot meet Hendrickson's demands. Some analysts suggest, as noted by a source from Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz, that the team could offer Hendrickson a one-year deal worth $30 million to buy more time. However, this approach lacks clarity on whether it would satisfy Hendrickson's desires or simply prolong the inevitable negotiations.
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has publicly expressed his commitment to retaining Hendrickson on the team, stating, "Yeah, we can make it happen. We can make it happen." This sentiment reflects the urgency of the situation, as not having Hendrickson would weaken a defense that struggled in the previous season. The Bengals already committed over $120 million to Burrow, Chase, and Higgins, raising concerns about their overall salary cap strategy. If Hendrickson is to be signed, the team could find themselves allocating more than half of their cap space to just four players.
While the Bengals cleared over $6 million in cap space by finalizing Higgins' extension, doubts linger about whether they can come to terms with Hendrickson before the upcoming NFL Draft, scheduled for late next month. The stakes are high, as the Bengals' defensive effectiveness hinges on securing Hendrickson's services. Losing him would not only threaten their defensive unit but also expose their weaknesses, particularly in a division known for its competitive edge rushing.
Recent reports indicate that despite initial interest from potential trade partners, the offers failed to meet Cincinnati's expectations. Teams are reluctant to surrender high draft picks or pay a premium when Hendrickson's future is uncertain. If the Bengals hold off on a trade, it could set the stage for a drawn-out negotiation process as they weigh their options leading up to the draft.
Overall, the next few weeks are critical for the Cincinnati Bengals as they try to balance the desires of Hendrickson with the financial constraints of their roster. With their prospects for the upcoming season on the line, the Bengals must find a way to reach an agreement that appeases both the player’s significant demands and their long-term salary cap obligations.
In the end, as Hendrickson prepares to make a statement about his future, he and the Bengals are at a crossroads that could define not just the immediate future of the team but potentially reshape the franchise’s trajectory moving forward.
