Joe Burrow‘s influence on the Bengals organization was clearly highlighted this offseason, as the QB got his wish when Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins were both signed to long-term extensions. Burrow also made it clear that he wanted star defender Trey Hendrickson to receive a new deal, although a lack of progress on that front has already led to public frustration and a potential holdout.
[RELATED: Bengals In Contract Squabble With DE Shemar Stewart]
While speaking with reporters today, Burrow once again stated that he wanted the Bengals defensive leader to stick in Cincy for the long haul. The QB also said he supports Hendrickson’s decision to not participate in team activities while extension talks are ongoing.
“Yeah, we’ll see what happens with that,” Burrow said (via Myles Simmons of ProFootballTalk.com). “You guys all know how I feel about Trey. He’s a great player. I love Trey as a guy. He goes out and plays well every single Sunday. He’s very productive. He’s a guy that deserves to get paid and get paid what he wants and what the market is. So, like I said, we’ll see what happens with that. But, I love Trey and hope he’s with us.
“I think he’s doing what he thinks is best for his career and I support him in that,” Burrow added. “Trey’s a smart guy. Just like anybody, I’m sure there’s things that he’d like to have back. But he’s very well thought out in his process and what he’s trying to do. And so, if he thinks that’s the way to go, then that’s the way to go.”
As part of a one-year, $21MM extension he signed in 2023, Hendrickson is due a $15.8MM base salary this season. After finishing second in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2024, the pass rusher is naturally seeking more long-term security and a top-of-position average annual value. While the Bengals were willing to break from tradition with Burrow, Chase, and Higgins, the organization isn’t willing to commit significant guarantees beyond the 2025 season to Hendrickson.
The 30-year-old showed up for the second phase of offseason workouts last week in street clothes, and he reiterated his stance that negotiations have gotten “personal” and he won’t be playing for the Bengals under his current pact. Hendrickson noted to reporters that Zac Taylor threatened fines for eventually missing mandatory practices, and the coach did acknowledge today that he’s since spoken with his defensive star.
“I put a lot of time into thinking — those situations, there’s real money at stake,” Taylor said (via Simmons). “So I put a lot of time and energy into thinking about how to communicate, when to communicate. And so, that’s just how I handled that one. And, yeah, Trey and I have spoken.
“I think every situation is unique,” Taylor added. “Every personality is different, every player is different. The timing of everything is different. So, you just adapt as you go with that stuff.”
All Joe’s endorsements are self serving. I’d respect him more if he endorsed a “buck-a-beer” bash for all fans that attend games at Paycor stadium.
Joe reminds me of the guy who hogs all the food at the buffet before ordering the staff to go buy more on their own dime.
Huh? Big reach there on the analogy.
Like for the name.
Makes no sense. The Bengals are the ones who are supposed to be paying their guys. Burrow doesn’t owe anybody anything financially.
Every team in football that doesn’t already have an elite quarterback answer right now would be thrilled to have Burrow on his contract. He’s not the reason the Bengals nickel and dime other players. He was the first player of this era they couldn’t get away with nickel and diming or letting walk.
What are you even saying
How’d this guy become the LeBron of the NFL already? Dudes had like 1.5 good seasons.
So, how much of a pay cut is Joe willing to take to keep Trey? It’s really easy to spend someone else’s money. Joe has become a little bit of an as*hole lately. Guess that’s what happens when you hang with the elite at the Met Gala. Joe Cool has become Joe Fool.