The relationship between the Cincinnati Bengals and EDGE rusher Trey Hendrickson has been dwindling in recent months after the long-time Bengals pass rusher made it public that he's expecting a big pay day before the start of the 2025 season. Hendrickson has arguably been the most pivotal player to the Bengals' defense since signing with the team in the offseason in 2021 after playing his first four seasons in New Orleans with the Saints. Heading into 2025, the extra year agreed upon two years ago is all that remains of the deal, and after having back-to-back 17.5 sack seasons in 2023 and 2024, last year's NFL sack leader wants an extension.
Trey Hendrickson, Bengals Contract Negotiations Get New Update On Monday: Report originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The relationship between the Cincinnati Bengals and EDGE rusher Trey Hendrickson has been dwindling in recent months after the long-time Bengals pass rusher made it public that he's expecting a big pay day before the start of the 2025 season.
Hendrickson has arguably been the most pivotal player to the Bengals' defense since signing with the team in the offseason in 2021 after playing his first four seasons in New Orleans with the Saints.
He signed a four-year, $60 million deal with Cincinnati in 2021 before getting another year tacked on to the agreement in 2023.
Heading into 2025, the extra year agreed upon two years ago is all that remains of the deal, and after having back-to-back 17.5 sack seasons in 2023 and 2024, last year's NFL sack leader wants an extension.
"No communication has taken place between my camp and the organization post-draft. The offers prior to the draft did not reflect the vision we shared and were promised last offseason if I continued to play at a high level... I have been eagerly awaiting a resolution of this situation, but that’s hard to do when there is no discussion and an evident lack of interest in reaching mutual goals," Hendrickson told reporters in mid-May, expressing his concerns with his current contract.
Fast forward to today, July 21, and no deal has been made by either side. NFL insider Ian Rapoport gave an update on the situation.
"The Bengals have made several offers, including a recent one over the course of the last couple of days. Today is a huge day for Trey Hendrickson and the Cincinnati Bengals. We'll see if they're able to get a deal done that features a big raise for him this year, and potentially years after that. The clock is ticking for Cincy," Rapoport explained on Good Morning Football.
From @GMFB: The beginning of training camp is upon us, and the #Cowboys and #Bengals are in focus with a few key to-do items. pic.twitter.com/sMTbPSFXmq
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 21, 2025
Although there's no certainty in Hendrickson's future in Cincinnati, the 2024 NFL sack leader has expressed his interest in continuing his career with the Bengals.
A big payday is expected for Hendrickson after contract extensions have been agreed upon for other AFC North EDGE rushers, including the Pittsburgh Steelers' T.J. Watt, agreeing to a three-year, $123 million deal, and the Cleveland Browns' Myles Garrett and his new four-year, $160 million deal.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Football
