Bengals, Trey Hendrickson Resume Contract Talks Amid Dispute

Trey Hendrickson, the NFL's 2024 sack leader with 17.5 sacks for two consecutive seasons, is currently in a contract dispute with the Cincinnati Bengals as he enters the final year of his deal worth approximately $16 million. Hendrickson has skipped all offseason workouts, including the mandatory minicamp, resulting in fines of nearly $105,000, and has publicly expressed frustration over the Bengals' lack of communication. Although the Bengals initially gave Hendrickson permission to seek a trade in March, recent reports indicate that contract extension talks have resumed, signaling a potential resolution. Hendrickson is seeking a long-term extension that would place him among the league's top-paid pass rushers, targeting a salary in the $30 to $35 million per year range, below Myles Garrett's $40 million-per-year deal but near Maxx Crosby and Nick Bosa's levels. The Bengals have over $27 million in salary cap space and are motivated to retain their star defender, though no new deal is imminent yet. Team leadership, including coach Zac Taylor and quarterback Joe Burrow, have acknowledged the situation as a distraction but continue to support Hendrickson and hope for his return under a new contract.