The dispute between Trey Hendrickson and the Cincinnati Bengals has reached a temporary resolution. The prominent defensive end has concluded his extended hold-in following an agreement for a significant pay increase for the 2025 season. Hendrickson, however, did not succeed in securing a long-term agreement and is expected to enter the free-agent market at the season’s end.
This raise provides both parties more time to reach a deal beyond 2025. Hendrickson has expressed his desire to stay in Cincinnati for the long run, but the lengthy negotiations complicate the likelihood of a mutually beneficial contract.
“I want to be a part of something special here,” Hendrickson remarked after a practice session, indicating his commitment to the team. “I’ve vocalized that pretty early and often. Again, I can’t write my own contracts. I think we’d all as players love to do that. There wasn’t one that I saw long term that I would’ve considered.”
It took until July 30 for Hendrickson to make his way back to Cincinnati after spending the initial days of training camp in Florida. His holdout shifted to a hold-in upon his return. He characterized his absence from the team as a “selfish act” during a critical time for the team.
Initially facing a $16 million payday in the final year of his contract, Hendrickson ultimately negotiated a salary nearing $30 million for this season, aligning his earnings with other elite pass rushers like Cleveland’s Myles Garrett and Pittsburgh’s T.J. Watt. The principal friction in the negotiations allegedly revolved around the guaranteed aspects of Hendrickson’s long-term contract.
Signed with the Bengals in 2021, Hendrickson has secured Pro Bowl selections in each of his four seasons in Cincinnati. The former New Orleans Saint experienced tremendous growth after three years as a backup and has established a reputation as one of the NFL’s elite disruptors, achieving at least 13.5 sacks in all but one season since 2020. He secured second place in the AP Defensive Player of the Year voting last year, trailing only Patrick Surtain II of the Denver Broncos.
