Pro Football Rumors
One week ago, Trey Hendrickson and the Bengals resumed talks on an extension. Without any new progress being made on that front, though, a number of issues are yet to be resolved.
Finances – including, no doubt, guarantees – have proven to be a sticking point between team and player in this years-long saga. In addition, it appears the length of any extension agreement is not a factor the parties can agree on. A gap exists between Hendrickson and the Bengals on this front, ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted during a recent Pat McAfee Show appearance (video link).
Cincinnati’s preference at this point would be a one-year deal, per Schefter. Such an arrangement would keep Hendrickson on the books through the 2026 campaign. The sides have already agreed to a stop-gap deal once before, but the reigning sack leader is understandably seeking a longer term on his next pact. As things stand, Hendrickson is owed $16MM; much of that figure is comprised of a base salary which is not guaranteed.
The four-time Pro Bowler skipped minicamp and has threatened to remain away from the team into the regular season in the absence of an extension agreement. Hendrickson’s exact asking price is unknown, but a pact around the $35MM mark in terms of AAV would move him near the top of the pass rush market (something which will likely continue to move upward once some or all of Micah Parsons, T.J. Watt and Aidan Hutchinson ink their new deals). To date the Bengals have not been willing to offer a pact in the range of what Danielle Hunter ($35.6MM), Maxx Crosby ($35.5MM) or Nick Bosa ($34MM) are attached to in terms of annual earnings.
Hendrickson has amassed 57 sacks in 63 games with Cincinnati, notching 17.5 in each of the past two seasons. The former Saint’s trade request was denied last offseason, but the Bengals took a different stance in 2025. Offers came in, although the team’s asking price was not met. As the countdown to training camp continues, a trade would come as a surprise to many around the league.
Cincinnati finished in a tie for 25th in sacks despite Hendrickson’s production, an illustration of his importance to the team. Age will be a key factor in negotiations with the 30-year-old, who was informed by the team last year another strong campaign would be met with a new deal. The Bengals have managed to hammer out monster agreements with wideouts Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins this offseason, but nothing is imminent as it pertains to Hendrickson.
A training camp absence would result in mandatory fines, whereas a hold-in effort would be a mark of ongoing issues at the negotiating table. It will be interesting to see if progress can be made regarding term length and, if so, whether or not that helps bring about a final agreement.
