Bengals Hold Trey Hendrickson Contract Talks Amid Lions Hutchinson Extension

The Cincinnati Bengals are currently in a stalemate with star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson over a contract extension, with Hendrickson threatening a holdout into the 2025 season due to dissatisfaction with the team's offer. Despite leading the NFL in sacks, Hendrickson's contract demands are influenced by recent high-profile deals for other elite edge rushers like Myles Garrett and Danielle Hunter, setting a market benchmark the Bengals are hesitant to meet. The Bengals appear to be waiting on the Detroit Lions to finalize a contract extension with their own top pass rusher, Aidan Hutchinson, to better gauge the market value before committing to Hendrickson's deal. Trade possibilities for Hendrickson have largely stalled, with the Bengals reportedly seeking a first-round pick and no serious trade offers materializing, while the Lions have indicated they are unlikely to pursue a trade due to financial constraints. Sports Illustrated predicts Hendrickson will eventually accept the Bengals' current offer, which reportedly stands at around $28 million per year, as holding out further could jeopardize his long-term earning potential. The Bengals face a critical decision as Hendrickson remains key to their Super Bowl aspirations, but the negotiation impasse and potential holdout pose significant risks to their season plans.