Bengals and Trey Hendrickson locked in contract war that could shatter Cincinnati’s defense

Trey Hendrickson contract dispute with the Cincinnati Bengals has become a major NFL story, dragging on for months with no resolution in sight. As tensions escalate, both sides remain firm, leaving fans to wonder when the stalemate will end.

This ongoing battle could seriously affect Hendrickson’s future and the Bengals’ defense heading into the crucial 2025 season.

Trey Hendrickson contract standoff threatening Cincinnati’s defensive strength

Since last year, the Bengals and Hendrickson have been locked in an increasingly ugly negotiation, with no clear sign of progress. This isn’t your typical holdout or quiet contract dispute. Hendrickson, a four-time Pro Bowler and arguably the NFL’s premier edge rusher over the past two seasons, has openly criticized the Bengals for their lack of communication and transparency.

His frustration spilled over into public statements, underscoring how personal the matter has become.Hendrickson’s stance is firm: he refuses to play under his current contract, which many view as a slap given his league-leading sack totals in 2024. The Bengals’ offer, reportedly around $28 million per year, falls well short of the market value for a player of his caliber—especially when compared to stars like Maxx Crosby, who earns $35.5 million annually, and Myles Garrett at $40 million.

This chasm in expectations has led to increasingly harsh actions, including the Bengals threatening fines if Hendrickson doesn’t attend the mandatory minicamp in June. Rather than encouraging cooperation, the letter only deepened the rift, with Hendrickson calling out the move as a clear sign the Bengals do not intend to resolve the issue anytime soon.Insiders, like Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, believe the upcoming mandatory minicamp, scheduled for June 10-12 could force a breakthrough or at least create some urgency.

But given the current frostiness, it’s more likely to be a flashpoint than a resolution.Also Read: Elijah Moore praises Buffalo’s support and Josh Allen’s leadership amid Bills’ receiver overhaulWhile trading Hendrickson might seem like a drastic and short-sighted decision, the widening gulf and deteriorating relationship leave few alternatives. Losing Hendrickson would be a severe blow to Cincinnati’s pass rush and defensive identity, especially with the 2025 season approaching.