The Cincinnati Bengals have made significant strides this offseason, extending the contracts of star wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, which has reignited excitement among fans and players alike. The extensions, finalized on March 18, 2025, mark a defining moment in the team’s efforts to secure its core talent as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season. However, one pivotal player remains without a new deal: edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, whose future now hangs in the balance as negotiations intensify.
After the Bengals successfully locked in Chase and Higgins for four additional years each, attention swiftly turned to Hendrickson, who is currently set to earn $16 million in the final year of his existing contract. Bengals cornerback Josh Newton expressed his eagerness for Hendrickson to sign, tweeting "91 loading," referencing Hendrickson's jersey number. The excitement surrounding Hendrickson’s potential extension is palpable; he has transformed over the years into a top-tier edge rusher, logging 17.5 sacks in back-to-back seasons and boasting a total of 57 sacks during his four-year stint with the Bengals. His impressive performance has earned him four consecutive Pro Bowl selections and a first-team All-Pro accolade.
Though the Bengals have shown a commitment to securing their star players, extending Hendrickson presents unique challenges. Reports indicate that if the Bengals fail to reach an agreement, he might hold out during training camp, which would introduce unnecessary distractions for the team. That possibility is something the organization seeks to avoid, especially after dealing with similar situations in previous seasons.
Negotiating a new contract for Hendrickson is complicated by his demands for a significant pay increase. According to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team, while the Bengals would prefer to provide him with a multi-year extension averaging $30 million or more per year, the structure of his current deal complicates matters. If the team were to enhance his current contract without terminating it, the total average annual value (AAV) of the fulfillment would likely fall short of what Hendrickson seeks. For example, if his desired AAV is $32 million, the Bengals would need to offer a substantial two-year extension on top of his existing $16 million, making the total damage on the cap way higher than they might be comfortable with.
Hendrickson’s contract terms are further complicated by the growing trend of extending guarantees beyond the first year for substantial contracts. The recent contracts for Chase and Higgins included guarantees into the second year, setting a precedent Hendrickson is likely to expect in his new deal. Meirov pointed out, "Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase, they did get guarantees into year two, which is something the Bengals do not do historically unless you're a quarterback." This situation hints at the potential friction between player expectations and franchise practices.
Despite these hurdles, there remains a viable path for negotiation. It has been suggested that instead of extending Hendrickson's current contract, the Bengals could terminate it in favor of a brand-new agreement, which aligns better with the salary he desires. A hypothetical offer worth $91 million over three years, with incentives reaching up to $96 million, establishes a base value of $30.3 million annually—an attractive prospect for Hendrickson.
Such a deal would not only satisfy Hendrickson’s demands for competitive salary and security but also mitigate the Bengals’ financial exposure should Hendrickson’s performance decline in the later years of the contract. Ending Hendrickson’s current deal may incur a $2.6 million dead cap charge, but the organization’s focus on retaining talent at this critical juncture suggests that making the necessary financial commitments could benefit the Bengals in the long run.
Head Coach Zac Taylor and the Bengals coaching staff recognize that maintaining a strong defense is crucial to their Super Bowl aspirations. Hendrickson has emerged as a key figure in that equation, and his absence could quickly jeopardize the success Cincinnati has built over the past few seasons. The Bengals’ pass rush would be significantly weaker without Hendrickson’s presence, as no comparable replacements currently exist on the free agency market.
Furthermore, the Bengals are catch-22: they must balance their financial resources while preventing a potential hold-out that could derail preseason preparations and jeopardize their strategy for the upcoming campaign. All this culminates in one clear objective: securing Hendrickson’s commitment while ensuring they don’t allocate too much of their budget toward an aging player.
As the Bengals navigate these high-stakes negotiations during a critical offseason, the expectations are mounting. Hendrickson’s performance is essential not just for his own career but also for the collaborative effort as the franchise eyes a championship. Retaining him without creating distraction or discontent within the team is essential. Ultimately, how the franchise addresses this dilemma will contribute significantly to determining their competitiveness in the 2025 season and beyond.
In summary, the next few weeks will be pivotal for the Bengals as they seek to align their goals with those of Hendrickson, ensuring that the team remains strong, focused, and prepared to face the challenges of the upcoming NFL season. The resolution of this standoff could define whether the Bengals continue their upward trajectory or struggle to maintain their status among the league's elite teams.
