Tensions are rising in Bengals Nation as star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson publicly criticizes the Cincinnati Bengals over stalled contract negotiations. Despite leading the NFL with 17.5 sacks in the 2024 season and earning a First-Team All-Pro selection, Hendrickson claims the team has failed to engage in meaningful discussions since the NFL Draft. He asserts that earlier offers did not align with previous promises made by the organization. Hendrickson is entering the final year of his four-year, \$60 million contract, which includes a \$15.8 million base salary for 2025. ([talkSPORT][1], [New York Post][2])
The Bengals have recently extended contracts for key offensive players, including wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, with Chase signing a four-year, \$161 million extension in March 2025. However, Hendrickson’s situation remains unresolved, leading to speculation that he may hold out from training camp if a satisfactory agreement is not reached. ([Wikipedia][3], [Cincy Jungle][4])
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport remains optimistic, suggesting that the Bengals will eventually secure a deal with Hendrickson, emphasizing the team’s methodical approach to negotiations. ([Cincy Jungle][4])
As the offseason progresses, the Bengals face a critical decision regarding Hendrickson’s future with the team. His performance has been instrumental in the Bengals’ recent success, and his absence could significantly impact the team’s defensive capabilities. Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring developments in this ongoing contract dispute.([talkSPORT][1])
* [talkSPORT](https://talksport.com/nfl/3199654/trey-hendrickson-cincinnati-bengals-joe-burrow-chase-higgins-nfl/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
* [Cincy Jungle](https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/5/12/24428902/bengals-will-pay-trey-hendrickson-ian-rapoport?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
* [New York Post](https://nypost.com/2025/05/12/sports/trey-hendrickson-calls-out-bengals-in-latest-contract-twist/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
[1]: https://talksport.com/nfl/3199654/trey-hendrickson-cincinnati-bengals-joe-burrow-chase-higgins-nfl/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “‘Evident lack of interest’ – Bengals star speaks out on troubling concerns as he looks to join $550m core”
[2]: https://nypost.com/2025/05/12/sports/trey-hendrickson-calls-out-bengals-in-latest-contract-twist/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Trey Hendrickson calls out Bengals in latest contract saga twist”
[3]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ja%27Marr_Chase?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Ja’Marr Chase”
[4]: https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/5/12/24428902/bengals-will-pay-trey-hendrickson-ian-rapoport?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Ian Rapoport believes Bengals will pay Tre
y Hendrickson”
