CINCINNATI — As offseason workouts progress, Trey Hendrickson, the Bengals’ defensive end and reigning sack leader, expressed dissatisfaction with ongoing contract discussions with the organization. In a statement, Hendrickson revealed a lack of communication from the Bengals since the NFL Draft and emphasized that earlier offers did not align with the expectations set during prior conversations.
“The disconnect between my camp and the team has become apparent,” Hendrickson stated. He pointed out that past discussions had led him to believe that a collaborative approach would help resolve his contract situation. “It’s challenging to find a resolution when there’s no dialogue and the desire for mutual objectives seems lacking,” he added.
Entering the final year of his contract, Hendrickson is set to earn a base salary of $15.8 million. Despite his impressive performance over the last two seasons, during which he recorded 17.5 sacks each year, the Bengals have yet to provide a contract offer he finds acceptable.
Katie Blackburn, executive vice president of the Bengals, noted that it is up to Hendrickson to find contentment with the offers presented. “At some point, he needs to be happy,” Blackburn remarked. Her comments drew criticism from Hendrickson, who labeled them as “disappointing” and “frustrating,” especially given his contributions to the team’s success.
Since joining the Bengals in 2021, after four seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Hendrickson has established himself as a standout player. His performance is particularly noteworthy considering he led the NFL in sacks during the 2024 season, underscoring the value he brings to the team.
As the Bengals continue their offseason activities, the unresolved contract situation looms large. Both Hendrickson and the organization face pressure to find common ground to address the goals that initially motivated their partnership. The future of their relationship could hinge on whether they can bridge the gap and engage in constructive conversations in the coming weeks.