Sophia
The protracted contract dispute between star defensive end Trey Hendrickson and the Cincinnati Bengals has reached a temporary resolution. After a lengthy “hold-in” that saw him miss critical offseason activities, Hendrickson has agreed to an amended one-year deal, significantly boosting his salary for the upcoming 2025 season. However, a long-term contract remains elusive, leaving his future in Cincinnati beyond this year an open question.
A Temporary Detente: Salary Bump for 2025
Hendrickson, who was originally slated to earn $16 million in the final year of his existing contract, will now command a substantial $30 million for the 2025 season. This significant raise brings his earnings in line with some of the NFL’s elite pass rushers, including divisional rivals Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns and T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Both Garrett and Watt recently secured long-term deals with significant guaranteed money, highlighting the core of the disagreement between Hendrickson and the Bengals.
“I want to be a part of something special here,” Hendrickson stated after his first practice back with the team on Wednesday. “I’ve vocalized that pretty early and often. Again, I can’t write my own contracts. I think we’d all as players love to do that. There wasn’t one that I saw long term that I would’ve considered.”
The Sticking Point: Guaranteed Money
Reports indicate that the primary sticking point in negotiations for a long-term extension revolved around the guaranteed portion of Hendrickson’s potential deal. While the substantial raise for 2025 buys both sides time, it doesn’t guarantee a future together. Hendrickson’s desire to remain in Cincinnati is clear, but the path to a mutually agreeable long-term contract remains uncertain, especially given the lengthy process to settle on his current year’s salary.
A Self-Described “Selfish Act”
Hendrickson’s absence from team facilities extended until July 30, with the initial phase of his holdout spent out of state. Upon his return, it transitioned into a “hold-in,” a self-described “selfish act” as he aimed to secure his financial future. His commitment to the team, however, has never been in question on the field.
An Elite Disruptor: Hendrickson’s Impact
Since joining the Bengals in 2021 after three seasons as a reserve with the New Orleans Saints, Hendrickson has blossomed into one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers. He has earned Pro Bowl selections in all four of his years in Cincinnati, consistently demonstrating his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. In all but one season since 2020, Hendrickson has recorded at least 13.5 sacks, a testament to his relentless motor and skill.
Last season, Hendrickson delivered a career-best performance, leading the NFL with an astounding 17.5 sacks. This dominant display earned him a second-place finish in the AP Defensive Player of the Year voting, trailing only Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II. His consistent high-level play makes him an invaluable asset to the Bengals’ defense and a crucial component of their aspirations for a deep playoff run.
Looking Ahead: A Critical Season for Both Sides
With the contract situation temporarily settled, all eyes will be on Hendrickson’s performance in 2025. His ability to maintain his elite production will undoubtedly strengthen his leverage in future negotiations. For the Bengals, this season serves as a crucial period to assess their long-term plans for one of their most impactful defensive players. The coming months will determine if this temporary truce can evolve into a lasting partnership, or if Trey Hendrickson will indeed hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent at season’s end.
