Bengals-Trey Hendrickson contract talks stuck in neutral

Trey Hendrickson and the Bengals are still at an impasse, and the defensive end is willing to sit out if he has to.

Hendrickson spoke with ESPN’s Laura Rutledge during Monday’s preseason game between the Bengals and Commanders, and he reiterated that the sticking point for the contract talks lies in the guaranteed money.

The two sides agree on the length of the extension and the average salary, Rutledge reported, and Hendrickson believes that his play has earned him more guaranteed money than what the team is offering. 

He had the best season of his career in 2024, leading the NFL with 17.5 total sacks. 

Hendrickson ended his holdout late last month and traveled with the team to Maryland for the preseason contest.

“Hendrickson wanted to make it very clear, though, he said, ‘I don’t feel sorry for myself,’” Rutledge reported. “His quote was, ‘I’m a very blessed man, and I trust in God’s plan here.’ He also pointed to the Bengals logo on his shirt and said, ‘This place means a lot to me. I’m still wearing this logo proudly.’ And he said he just wants to do the very best he can to help this defense out.”

Hendrickson had been granted permission to seek out a team that wanted to trade for the edge rusher, but no trade has materialized. 

The Athletic reported recently that teams had inquired about Hedrickson and were told the Bengals were looking for a young defensive player — not necessarily an edge rusher — and a 2026 first-round pick in a deal for him.

Hendrickson will turn 31 in December, and he is slated to make $16 million this upcoming season.

The Bengals open the season on Sept. 7 against the Browns, which gives Cincinnati only a few short weeks before the saga drags into the regular season.