The Cincinnati Bengals are currently embroiled in contract negotiations with star defensive end Trey Hendrickson, as the team seeks to secure one of its key players following successful extensions for wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Reports from NFL insiders indicate there has been progress in talks, reflecting the urgency the Bengals feel to finalize Hendrickson's deal before the NFL Draft set for April 2025.
On March 16, 2025, just one day after the Bengals locked up Chase and Higgins, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported there was significant movement in the discussions with Hendrickson. According to Fowler, the uptick in negotiations occurred the previous week—leading to hopes the Bengals might soon validate quarterback Joe Burrow's request to maintain the team’s elite talent. Burrow has been vocal about wanting the Bengals to retain Hendrickson, viewing him as integral to the squad's defensive structure.
Hendrickson's performance over the last two seasons has been nothing short of impressive; he has amassed 35 sacks during this period, showcasing his dominance as one of the premier edge rushers in the NFL. The 30-year-old defensive star has certainly proven his worth, leading to expectations he would command a contract worth around $30 million on average per year.
Despite trade interests from other teams, the Bengals have consistently indicated they do not want to part ways with Hendrickson. Notably, Hendrickson has one year remaining on his existing contract with the Bengals, during which he is owed $16 million for the 2025 season. Speculation arose recently when it was disclosed the Bengals gave him permission to seek trade opportunities; many interpreted this as the front office potentially conceding defeat on the contract front. This tactic may have been less about severing ties, and more about gauging his market value and acknowledging the competitive nature of NFL contract negotiations.
Analysts have noted the challenges tied to the negotiations. Fowler emphasized: "This will inevitably be a 'new money' issue," illustrating the delicate balance between offering Hendrickson fair compensation and managing the team's salary cap. With the Bengals having cleared some cap space via the Chase and Higgins contracts, they now need to carefully structure Hendrickson's compensation to reflect both his current value and the financial future of the franchise.
Ian Rapoport from NFL Network added to the discussions around Hendrickson’s future with the Bengals, stating, "The Bengals may be on the verge of doing it again," hinting at the potential for the team to tie down their key unsigned stars before the upcoming draft. It’s clear the Bengals are attempting to handle these negotiations as strategically as possible to protect their championship aspirations.
The situation has not only left negotiations surrounding Hendrickson on shaky ground but also highlights the Bengals' commitment to building around Burrow and retaining the strong core they’ve established. The need to maintain cohesion within the team becomes more pronounced with the impending draft, as the Bengals aim to collaborate several talented players to form their roster.
Although trade options would potentially lessen Hendrickson's leverage, reports suggest the reality is rather complex. With teams interested, and knowing the Bengals' asking price might be steep, it’s unlikely other franchises will offer deals enticing enough to lure Hendrickson away, especially considering he made clear he prefers staying with Cincinnati. Hendrickson’s negotiation stance appears to be grounded not only on financial expectations but also on the vision he shares with Burrow for the coming seasons.
Currently, Hendrickson’s situation symbolizes both the potential for growth and the tightrope walking act of financial management within the modern NFL. The Bengals' front office seems determined to keep their defensive anchor, particularly as he was one of their standout players last season. With negotiations heating up, the urgency is palpable—not only due to Hendrickson's desire for security heading toward his 31st birthday but also because of the fierce competition the Beng selector face as they aim to maximize their roster potential.
Fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting updates as the contract talks continue to develop. Should the Bengals strike a deal before the draft, it would be viewed as not only a successful move to keep Hendrickson but also as part of the long-term strategy toward another Super Bowl run. The future looks bright if the Bengals can keep their key players and bolster their defense with new talent from upcoming draft picks.
