Trey Hendrickson Skips Minicamp, Pressures Bengals for New Deal After Sack Title Season

The tension between the Cincinnati Bengals and All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson has escalated, with the star pass rusher opting to skip the team’s mandatory minicamp. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Hendrickson is holding out in pursuit of a new contract. His absence from all voluntary workouts has already raised concerns, and his decision to skip mandatory activities marks a significant step in his standoff with the organization.

Hendrickson Seeks Long-Term Deal Amid Rising Player Holdouts and Contract Disputes Trend

Hendrickson, 30, has made it clear that he does not intend to play under the terms of his current contract, which is entering its final year. He desires a long-term deal that includes guaranteed money, contrasting with the Bengals’ preference for a short-term arrangement.

Hendrickson addressed the media once during the offseason, emphasizing his dissatisfaction with the current deal and reaffirming his intention not to play unless an agreement is reached.

This situation follows a similar dispute last year involving wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who limited his participation in minicamp due to contract negotiations. Chase eventually secured a lucrative four-year, $161 million contract this offseason, setting a precedent for other Bengals stars seeking extensions.

Hendrickson’s decision to hold out appears to be taking a page from Chase’s playbook, further illustrating the growing trend of star players leveraging hold-ins to secure more favorable deals.

Pro Bowl Star Demands Pay Raise After Career-Best Season and Sack Title Win

Hendrickson’s push for a new contract is underscored by his performance in 2024, which was the best of his career. He led the NFL with 17.5 sacks and earned his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl selection.

With a current salary of $16 million for the upcoming season, Hendrickson lags behind top-tier edge rushers like Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns, who recently inked a $40 million-per-year deal, further highlighting the disparity Hendrickson is aiming to address.

Should Hendrickson continue his holdout throughout minicamp, he could face fines totaling up to $104,768 as per the league’s collective bargaining agreement.

The situation places the Bengals in a difficult position as they weigh the cost of retaining a premier defensive talent against the long-term financial implications. With training camp approaching, the franchise will likely be pressured to resolve the matter to maintain team cohesion and competitiveness heading into the season.