The Trey Hendrickson contract saga with the Bengals could finally be close to the finish line.
Bengals owner Mike Brown spoke to the media Monday about the ongoing contract drama between the team and its All-Pro edge rusher on the eve of mandatory training camp.
“We will get it done at some point, I think,” Brown told reporters. “I think we are in a good spot. I hope this thing comes together soon.”
Hendrickson is currently under a one-year, $15.8 million contract — much to his displeasure.
The 30-year-old led the NFL last season with 17.5 sacks, was named First Team All-Pro and was second in Defensive Player of the Year voting, only behind Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II.
Hendrickson has had at least 13.5 sacks in four of his last five seasons and has made the Pro Bowl for four straight seasons.
The All-Pro edge rusher has been outspoken about his desire for a new contract, and Steelers edge rusher TJ Watt’s record-breaking three-year, $123 million extension last week certainly added fuel to Hendrickson’s fire.
Hendrickson has criticized the Bengals’ lack of communication, expressed unwillingness to play under his current deal and skipped voluntary workouts. His decision to miss mandatory minicamp in June resulted in fines totaling more than $100,000.
But as badly as Hendrickson wants his new contract, Brown would like to retain the superstar.
“We are not going to trade Trey. We are working on getting it done,” he said.
Clearly, one side will have to budge.
“We’ve been through a few — and he pushes hard, he gets emotional,” Brown said of the negotiations with Hendrickson. “We never have an easy time of it. And if there’s one thing that is consistent, it always gets done. I think this one will too.”
While Cincinnati has awarded long-term deals to quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the contract disputes with defenders appear to be becoming a theme.
Bengals draft pick and fellow defensive end Shemar Stewart is the only first-rounder still unsigned since the 2025 NFL Draft in April.
“He needs to be here. I would encourage him to be here,” Bengals executive Duke Tobin said. “He’s listening to the advice he’s paying for (from his agents). I don’t understand the advice … We’re treating him fairly.”
