The Cincinnati Bengals are facing a critical moment in their offseason as defensive end Trey Hendrickson publicly expressed his frustrations regarding contract negotiations with the organization. Following comments made by Bengals executive vice president Katie Blackburn, Hendrickson took to "The Pat McAfee Show" on April 2, 2025, to voice his disappointment and confusion about the team's communication regarding his contract situation.
Blackburn, speaking at the NFL's annual meeting on April 1, stated, "I think he should be happy at certain rates that maybe he doesn’t think he’d be happy at. 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." These remarks did not sit well with Hendrickson, who has been seeking a long-term extension after leading the NFL in sacks with 17.5 in each of the past two seasons.
In response, Hendrickson noted the lack of direct communication from the Bengals to his agent, saying, "Communication has been poor over the last couple of months. That’s something I hold in high regard. They have not communicated with my agent directly. It’s been something that’s been a little bit frustrating." He emphasized that he has been patient in discussions with the team, but the current state of affairs has left him feeling unsettled.
Hendrickson, who is entering the final year of his contract with a base salary of $15.8 million, expressed his desire to be solidified as a Cincinnati Bengal for life. He stated, "I’m not looking to become the highest-paid defensive end or ‘first in line’ to get a deal done, but with organized team activities set to begin later this month, there’s an urgency to get something done." This urgency is compounded by the recent retirements and changes within the team's defensive lineup.
Earlier this offseason, the Bengals granted Hendrickson permission to seek a trade, but he has yet to find a new destination. Blackburn's comments seemed to leave the door open for a potential trade, further complicating the situation. Hendrickson remarked, "I don’t know whether I can put a time stamp on when I need to get a deal or force a trade," indicating the uncertainty surrounding his future with the franchise.
As the Bengals secured long-term contracts for star wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Hendrickson's contract situation has been pushed down the priority list. The team signed Chase to a four-year, $161 million extension and Higgins to a four-year, $115 million deal last month, leaving Hendrickson feeling sidelined.
Hendrickson made it clear that he is not interested in a short-term deal or incentives that may be out of his control. He stated, "I don’t think I want to play for a short-term contract and see where it goes. I would like to tell my wife, here’s where we’re going to build a family together." This sentiment underscores his desire for stability and commitment from the organization.
As the Bengals navigate these negotiations, Hendrickson's performance on the field, which included being named to the All-Pro team for the first time in his career and earning Pro Bowl selections for four consecutive seasons, adds weight to his demands. His $21 million average annual salary currently ranks 10th among edge rushers, but with the market for defensive players rising, he believes he deserves a reevaluation of his contract.
Hendrickson's frustrations also reflect the broader context of the NFL's evolving landscape, where contracts for edge rushers have skyrocketed. Players like Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby have recently reset the market with their deals, further highlighting the need for Hendrickson to secure a competitive contract.
"I treat it like a house now; house values have gone up. It’s the cost of living. Some ways life continues to move forward. I know I’m a football player. I’m training to be the best Trey Hendrickson I can be, however that looks and whatever team, we can address that," he explained, illustrating his understanding of the financial dynamics at play.
Despite the tension surrounding his contract, Hendrickson expressed respect for his teammates, particularly Chase and Higgins, acknowledging their accomplishments while also advocating for his own needs. "I have a tremendous respect for both of them. But when it comes to my situation, it would have been nice to know in some ways, like, 'Hey we’re going to put you in the queue,' no problem with me," he said.
As the Bengals prepare for organized team activities, the clock is ticking for both Hendrickson and the organization to reach a resolution. The stakes are high, not just for Hendrickson's future but for the Bengals' defensive strategy as they aim for another successful season. With the offseason in full swing, all eyes will be on how this situation unfolds in the coming weeks.
