Bengals Restart Talks with Trey Hendrickson

The Cincinnati Bengals have resumed discussions with Trey Hendrickson, as reported by ESPN.

It seems both parties are back in communication, which could lead to a contract being finalized before the start of training camp.

At 30, Hendrickson is recognized as one of the top pass rushers in the NFL, having recorded an impressive 17.5 sacks in 2024, earning him first-team All-Pro honors.

Since entering the league as the third overall pick in 2017, the former Florida Atlantic player has accumulated 77 career sacks, including 17.5 in 2023 alone.

Negotiations hit a snag earlier this offseason when Hendrickson opted out of voluntary training and left the mandatory minicamp in June, resulting in fines totaling over $100,000.

He later made a public appearance in casual attire to address the situation.

“You’re trying to make your business not personal,” Hendrickson commented in May. “I think last week it became personal. Unfortunately, in any relationship, the lack of communication can breed hostility, which has shaped my current situation.”

Hendrickson has expressed frustration over the Bengals’ poor communication and his unwillingness to play for his base salary of $15.8 million this year.

As the team prioritizes long-term contracts for offensive stars like quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Hendrickson remains firm in his desire for a new deal.

He has been selected to the Pro Bowl four consecutive times and was the runner-up for the Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year last season. Notably, he has recorded at least 13 sacks in four of the last five seasons.