The Cincinnati Bengals and star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson have settled his contract situation. Hendrickson received a $14 million raise for the upcoming season, bringing his 2025 salary to $30 million. The revised agreement also includes a $1 million incentive tied to his playing time and the Bengals’ playoff berth. Despite the adjustment, Hendrickson is still set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2025 season.
Hendrickson Rejected Extension, Relied On Elite Production To Strengthen Negotiating Position
Before this deal, Hendrickson had withheld from offseason workouts and training camp, demanding a new contract instead of playing under his original $16 million salary. The two sides had discussed a two-year, $79 million extension, which would have ranked him among the NFL’s highest-paid pass rushers.
However, the proposal included only $33 million guaranteed and no assurances beyond 2025, which Hendrickson found unacceptable.
Trey Hendrickson (NFL)Hendrickson’s leverage stemmed from his dominant performance over the past two seasons. The 30-year-old has recorded 17.5 sacks in both 2023 and 2024, leading the league last season. His consistent excellence has earned him four straight Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro nod, cementing his status as one of the league’s premier edge rushers. His production made him essential to the Bengals’ defensive success and a priority for the front office.
Bengals Balance Big Contracts, Short-Term Boosts To Keep Championship Window Wide Open
The move to increase Hendrickson’s pay continues Cincinnati’s offseason strategy of retaining its core stars. Earlier this year, the Bengals signed wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to record-setting deals, following quarterback Joe Burrow’s massive contract. With Hendrickson’s revised salary, four Bengals now average $30 million annually, placing him among just six NFL edge rushers at or above that threshold.
This marks the second time the Bengals have given Hendrickson a short-term financial boost, following an $8 million signing bonus in 2023. While the new deal raises his earnings for 2025, it falls short of the long-term security and guaranteed money he sought. Both sides view the agreement as a compromise ahead of the new season, but Hendrickson is still positioned to test free agency in 2026 if no further extension is reached.
