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Trey Hendrickson’s Contract Impasse: Bengals Face Defensive Crossroads

NFL access_alarms2025-05-19 00:16:11 visibility1 text_decrease title text_increase

Table of Contents

The Stalemate Explained

The Cincinnati Bengals find themselves in a tense contract standoff with star defensive end Trey Hendrickson. Coming off a career-best 17.5-sack season that earned him All-Pro honors, the 29-year-old wants either a Contract extension or trade before the 2025 NFL season. Negotiations have stalled completely since the draft, with no communication between the two sides.

Trey Hendrickson's Contract Impasse: Bengals Face Defensive Crossroads as Star Edge Rusher Mulls Holdout

Financial Reality Check

Hendrickson's demand for top-tier edge rusher money (currently $21M+/year) conflicts with Cincinnati's cap situation. The team has already committed $161 million to Ja'Marr Chase and $115 million to Tee Higgins, while carrying Joe Burrow's $46 million cap hit. With only $16 million currently scheduled for Hendrickson in 2025, the Bengals face tough choices about allocating remaining funds.

Roster Implications

A holdout would create major defensive challenges:

Lost 48% of 2024 team sacks (17.5 of 36 total)
No proven replacement on roster
Rookie Shemar Stewart (4.5 college sacks) needs veteran mentorship
New defensive coordinator's scheme installation at risk

Possible Outcomes

Three potential scenarios are emerging:

1. Short-Term Extension

A 2-year deal with guaranteed money could satisfy both parties, keeping the Super Bowl window open while protecting the team from long-term risk.

2. Training Camp Holdout

If Hendrickson follows through on sitting out, the Bengals would need immediate contributions from unproven players like Joseph Ossai and Cam Sample.

3. Midseason Trade

Teams like the Lions or Ravens could become buyers if injuries occur, though Cincinnati would likely receive less value than during draft season.

League-Wide Trend

This situation reflects the NFL's new reality where productive veterans increasingly demand renegotiations. Recent examples include:

Ceedee Lamb (Cowboys WR) - 2023 holdout
Trent Williams (49ers OT) - 2020 Contract dispute
Chris Jones (Chiefs DT) - 2023 training camp absence

Critical Timing

The Bengals' front office faces pressure to resolve this before July 26th training camp. With Joe Burrow's prime years and Chase/Higgins contracts creating a 3-4 year championship window, how they handle Hendrickson's situation could define the franchise's next decade.