One week ago, Trey Hendrickson and the Bengals resumed talks on an extension. Without any new progress being made on that front, though, a number of issues are yet to be resolved. 
Finances – including, no doubt, guarantees – have proven to be a sticking point between team and player in this years-long saga. In addition, it appears the length of any extension agreement is not a factor the parties can agree on. A gap exists between Hendrickson and the Bengals on this front, ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted during a recent Pat McAfee Show appearance (video link).
Cincinnati’s preference at this point would be a one-year deal, per Schefter. Such an arrangement would keep Hendrickson on the books through the 2026 campaign. The sides have already agreed to a stop-gap deal once before, but the reigning sack leader is understandably seeking a longer term on his next pact. As things stand, Hendrickson is owed $16MM; much of that figure is comprised of a base salary which is not guaranteed.
The four-time Pro Bowler skipped minicamp and has threatened to remain away from the team into the regular season in the absence of an extension agreement. Hendrickson’s exact asking price is unknown, but a pact around the $35MM mark in terms of AAV would move him near the top of the pass rush market (something which will likely continue to move upward once some or all of Micah Parsons, T.J. Watt and Aidan Hutchinson ink their new deals). To date the Bengals have not been willing to offer a pact in the range of what Danielle Hunter ($35.6MM), Maxx Crosby ($35.5MM) or Nick Bosa ($34MM) are attached to in terms of annual earnings.
Hendrickson has amassed 57 sacks in 63 games with Cincinnati, notching 17.5 in each of the past two seasons. The former Saint’s trade request was denied last offseason, but the Bengals took a different stance in 2025. Offers came in, although the team’s asking price was not met. As the countdown to training camp continues, a trade would come as a surprise to many around the league.
Cincinnati finished in a tie for 25th in sacks despite Hendrickson’s production, an illustration of his importance to the team. Age will be a key factor in negotiations with the 30-year-old, who was informed by the team last year another strong campaign would be met with a new deal. The Bengals have managed to hammer out monster agreements with wideouts Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins this offseason, but nothing is imminent as it pertains to Hendrickson.
A training camp absence would result in mandatory fines, whereas a hold-in effort would be a mark of ongoing issues at the negotiating table. It will be interesting to see if progress can be made regarding term length and, if so, whether or not that helps bring about a final agreement.
The Bengals holdouts should form their own team this season
Bengals must have missed watching their season last year. Burrow was a legit MVP candidate but their D couldn’t stop anyone. They’re going to try that formula again?
Man the Bengals are such a poorly ran franchise! Would suck being a fan of theirs
He’s not losing cash yet. The Bengals want one year, he wants more. Sorry Trey, you’re getting older, take your 28-30 and leave next year. Even if he sits out the year he’s going to be a year older and probably be offered less money. You’re not going to win, but you’re going to lose 15 million guaranteed.
To all the guys saying the Bengals are the worst run franchise in Football, I can tell none of you have run a business. The Bengals signed 3 players for a total of 100 million. One third of the salary cap. So, where is the cheapness? Not wanting to invest money in a 30 year old pass rusher for more than a 1 year contract is smart. Chances are his production will fall off dramatically, so why pay him top money? If he was 28 it would be different. The kind of contracts other teams have that are back loaded and is the reason the Reds were paying Ken Griffey Jr. until last year. (I know it’s baseball against football, it’s just an example of pushing paydays out for years) You’ve got 170 million to pay the other 50 guys on the team and 15 on the practice squad. Trey is already signed, he’s the one not honoring his contract.
I think these are the kinds of problems every team actually wants. They all want to have several franchise level players that eventually need and should be paid accordingly. The Bengals have hit the jackpot on the offensive side of the ball but the defense just doesn’t measure up. They haven’t bolstered their defensive line nearly well enough. So Hendrickson is crucial to them. Sure, he may not get 171/2 sacks for a third consecutive year, but I wouldn’t bet against it. IMO.. He’s most definitely worth more than the 16 (?) mill he’s due this season. I’m thinking if they gave him 35 guaranteed this season and called it a day, that would be a solid compromise between that an another year or two. Maybe he’s already passed on that..
I think you’re right. He needs to take the 28-30 they’re offering him for one year and walk. He can leave next year and get what he can.
Yup, honor your contract!!! If not then let him sit and be fined for every game missed!
Maybe if they had actually been able to draft a replacement they would be able to pull this crap without ruining their defense.
But they haven’t been able to. Ossai was by far their best recent drafted pass rusher.
I was talkin to the Cincinnati flash, he told me the negotiations are going smoothly . They offer 30mil this year guaranteed. And 2026 and 2027 for 70 mil. Not guaranteed. Whole package 100 mil.