Bengals' Hendrickson Holdout Intensifies Amid Cap Moves

Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson is skipping mandatory minicamp as his contract dispute with the team intensifies, stating he will not play the 2025 season under his current deal. Hendrickson, who led the NFL in sacks last season, is demanding a pay raise and has criticized team management for a lack of communication and unfulfilled promises to renegotiate his contract. The Bengals recently released Germaine Pratt, creating over $27 million in salary cap space, but have yet to make progress on a new deal for Hendrickson. His absence is significant as the Bengals install a new defense this summer. While Hendrickson is subject to fines for missing minicamp, his holdout is seen as an effort to pressure the team to invest more in the defense, as they have with offensive stars Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins. The standoff has led to speculation about Hendrickson's future in Cincinnati and possible landing spots if no agreement is reached.