“I was incredibly humbled”: Trey Hendrickson returns to Bengals with $30M one-year contract

Trey Hendrickson is back, and the Cincinnati Bengals couldn’t be happier. After a standout 2024-25 season that saw him rack up 17.5 sacks, Trey Hendrickson finally ended his holdout and returned to practice, now under a revised one-year $30 million deal.

The move not only rewards his elite performance but also gives both him and the Bengals flexibility moving forward.

Trey Hendrickson’s pay raise reflects elite performance while keeping options open

Last season, Trey Hendrickson’s $16 million salary didn’t match his production, making him one of the best bargains in the NFL. The Bengals addressed this with a substantial raise, doubling his salary for 2025 while leaving long-term decisions open. Reflecting on the deal, Hendrickson said,“When it presented itself, I was incredibly humbled by it. My wife and I prayed about it, and it is something that we collectively felt good about. In retrospect, it helps me with that 2023 extension I signed, and also, in some ways, it helps the 2025 Bengals.”

This balance rewarding him now while avoiding a long-term lock shows that the Bengals are thinking strategically, keeping their defensive cornerstone happy without hampering future flexibility.

Back on the field and ready to lead Cincinnati’s defense

With Hendrickson back in practice, Bengals fans finally have peace of mind. Head coach Zac Taylor praised his return, noting it gives the team a “boost to the defense” and sets a positive tone for the upcoming season.

Analysts agree, Hendrickson’s presence as a pass-rushing anchor will be pivotal as the Bengals try to fix last year’s defensive struggles, where they allowed 348.3 yards and 25.5 points per game.The one-year deal is also smart financially. It keeps the Bengals’ salary cap flexible, allows Hendrickson to focus on the present season, and positions him for potential free agency after 2025-26 if both sides want it. Fans have noticed the shrewdness of this approach. One analyst tweeted, “Why Trey Hendrickson’s new deal proves the Bengals are playing chess, not checkers.”Trey Hendrickson’s return isn’t just about ending a holdout, it’s about reinforcing Cincinnati’s defense and rewarding a player who earned it. With his $30 million deal and renewed focus on the field, Hendrickson is ready to lead, inspire younger players, and make sure the Bengals’ 2025 season starts on a strong note. The takeaway? Both player and team came out ahead, and the defense is stronger for it.Also read - “Trapped you with a baby”: Fans react to Travis Hunter becoming a dad before rookie debut