CINCINNATI — For the primary time in a number of months, there’s some optimism surrounding Trey Hendrickson’s future with the Cincinnati Bengals.
The 2 sides have resumed communication on his contract and future with the workforce, sources instructed ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Sunday. Hendrickson, who’s coming off an All-Professional season and was the NFL’s sack chief with 17.5 in 2024, stays steadfast in his need for a long-term contract extension.
However it is a constructive flip in what has been a fierce stalemate. Hendrickson didn’t take part in any of the workforce’s offseason exercises, together with final week’s obligatory minicamp. By lacking the three-day session, Hendrickson was topic to fines of practically $105,000.
The one time Hendrickson made an look this offseason was to carry an prolonged information convention with reporters to elucidate his aspect of the negotiation course of. In these feedback, Hendrickson repeatedly took umbrage with the dearth of communication between himself and the Bengals in contract talks.
“When there is a lack of communication in any relationship, the place it is a enterprise or private relationship, lack of communication results in animosity, and that leaves my narrative solely to me with no clear path,” Hendrickson mentioned on Might 13 when requested about whether or not he needs to stay with the Bengals.
Hendrickson, 30, is ready to enter the ultimate yr of his present contract. He’s in search of a long-term deal that places him consistent with the NFL’s different main move rushers. Over the previous three seasons, Hendrickson has tallied 43 complete sacks, one fewer than the Cleveland Browns’ Myles Garrett, who has a league-high 44 sacks throughout that span.
This offseason, Garrett signed a contract extension with the Browns that’s valued at $40 million a yr. Hendrickson is ready to earn $16 million in money this season however has already acknowledged his need to not play on his present deal.
Final week, Bengals coach Zac Taylor was requested concerning the significance of getting Hendrickson when coaching camp begins in late July.
“I believe anytime you may have nice gamers you need them to be round,” Taylor mentioned. “That is only a resolution he is received happening proper now and we’ll hold specializing in the blokes which can be right here.”
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow mentioned not having Hendrickson within the fold “in fact” has been a distraction, however one thing that may be a pure a part of the sport.
“You’d like to have [no contract disputes], however that is life within the NFL,” Burrow mentioned. “We’re all supporting Trey and would like to have him again.”
Hendrickson is not the one contract concern the Bengals are attempting to navigate. Rookie defensive finish Shemar Stewart has but to signal his rookie deal and has not participated in any workforce exercises due to a dispute over contract language.
