Bengals, Trey Hendrickson Near Contract Deadlock Over Guarantees

Trey Hendrickson, the Cincinnati Bengals' star defensive end and NFL sack leader, has not reported to training camp and is currently training in Florida as contract negotiations with the Bengals remain stalled. While both sides agree on the contract length and average value, a significant disagreement persists over the amount of guaranteed money, with Hendrickson seeking between $6 million and $10 million more in guarantees than the Bengals are willing to offer. The Bengals, already stretched financially due to key deals for players like Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase, have indicated they have reached the limit of their concessions, leading to a classic stalemate. Hendrickson has expressed openness to a trade if his pay demands are not met, with speculation pointing to potential interest from the Detroit Lions, who need a proven pass rusher. His holdout exacerbates concerns for a Bengals defense that struggled in 2024, and his absence could further weaken the team in 2025. Despite some progress, the situation remains unresolved, with Hendrickson subject to daily fines for missing camp and no clear timeline for a deal.