Bengals Negotiate Trey Hendrickson Contract Amid Holdout, Defensive Concerns

The Cincinnati Bengals and star defensive end Trey Hendrickson remain embroiled in contract negotiations as training camp approaches, with the team optimistic about reaching an agreement. Bengals owner Mike Brown and general manager Duke Tobin have emphasized Hendrickson's importance to the team and their desire to re-sign him, though Hendrickson has expressed frustration with the current offers, which reportedly include a $28 million per year deal that Hendrickson finds insufficient given his status as the NFL's leading sack artist. The Bengals have continued to send new offers, seeking a compromise that balances Hendrickson's desire for guaranteed money with the team's risk management concerns, but no deal has been finalized yet. Hendrickson has missed OTAs and mandatory minicamp, signaling a possible holdout during training camp if negotiations fail, a situation that raises concerns about the impact on both his career and the Bengals' defensive performance. Additionally, Bengals first-round pick Shemar Stewart remains unsigned amid his own contract dispute, highlighting broader contract negotiation challenges within the team. Some analysts suggest a trade could resolve the Hendrickson impasse, but the Bengals remain focused on reaching an extension to keep their key defensive player on the field.