Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson is one of the best pass rushers in the National Football League. In four of his last five seasons, Hendrickson has recorded at least a whopping 13.5 sacks or more. Three of those four years came with the Bengals. Hendrickson has also recorded 17.5 sacks in back-to-back seasons for Cincinnati. However, Trey Hendrickson wants a bigger payday after his career year in 2024. The Bengals have not seemed inclined to give him a raise. What are the latest updates surrounding this potential dilemma in Cincinnati?
Trey Hendrickson Contract Update
Trey Hendrickson has proved to be one of the best pass rushers in the league. He now wants to be compensated as such. However, with the Cincinnati Bengals giving massive contract extensions to star wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, a new deal for Hendrickson seems unlikely.
It is also being reported that if he does not receive a new deal, and is not traded, Trey Hendrickson could hold out for the entire 2025 season. This would be a disaster for the Bengals as this is a defensive unit that struggled massively last season despite Hendrickson’s dominance. Let’s dive into the three possible outcomes of the Hendrickson/Bengals drama.
Potential trade?
A Trey Hendrickson trade would send shockwaves through the NFL. However, this could be the biggest win/win outcome of this dilemma. The Bengals would ask for a huge haul in return for Hendrickson, and whoever trades for him would have to pay him as well. However, if Cincinnati has no intention of paying Hendrickson, a trade is the Bengals next best option, if a team meets their steep asking price. They would be able to get numerous players and picks in return. As for Hendrickson, he would get a fresh start and a massive contract extension with a new team. Nevertheless, it appears that the Bengals still do not want to trade Hendrickson.
Hendrickson gets paid
One of the other possible outcomes is that the Bengals do give Trey Hendrickson a raise. This would be difficult, but not impossible for the Bengals to make work. Hendrickson currently has one year left on his deal where he is set to make $16 million. If Cincinnati decides to pay Hendrickson, he is obviously a huge winner in this scenario. However, quite frankly, the Bengals would also be winners as this would mean they found a way to make it work financially. An extension also allows Cincinnati to retain their best pass rusher and defender long-term.
Nothing happens, Hendrickson holds out
If the two sides can not agree on a new contract, and if the Cincinnati Bengals can not or will not find a trade partner, Hendrickson could hold out for the entire 2025 NFL season. This is obviously a lose/lose situation for both the organization and player, Hendrickson sitting out would be a disappointment for NFL fans everywhere. He is one of the best defenders in the league and a joy to watch. The Bengals can not afford to have Hendrickson sit out this season. It is crucial that the franchise either finds a way to extend him or finds a trade partner. They can not let their best defensive player sit on the bench for nothing this season.
Main Image: Sam Greene – USA Today Sports
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