Trey Hendrickson's Future with Bengals in Question Amid Contract Stalemate
Alright, Bengals fans, this is a big one—Trey Hendrickson, the defensive star and 2024 NFL sack leader, might actually sit out the upcoming season if he doesn’t get the deal he’s looking for. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler broke the news on NFL Live , saying he wouldn’t be shocked if Hendrickson takes a strong stand, especially with the way the pass-rusher market has exploded.
Hendrickson and the Bengals have been in ongoing discussions, trying to hammer out a long-term deal. The issue? The numbers just aren’t lining up. The Bengals have made offers, but with elite pass rushers now commanding over $30 million a year, Hendrickson feels his $16 million salary for 2025 is way below what he deserves. He’s made it clear—if Cincinnati won’t pay up, he wants to be traded. But the Bengals aren’t exactly eager to let him go either, reportedly demanding a first-round pick in any potential trade. So right now, it's a stalemate.
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And here’s the kicker: some players threaten to sit out as a negotiation tactic, but Fowler believes Hendrickson is seriously considering it. Sitting out would be a massive statement, but given his production—35 sacks in the last two seasons, 70.5 in his last five—he has every reason to demand top dollar.
Trade rumors are swirling, with teams like the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Commanders showing interest. And now, the Indianapolis Colts have entered the mix. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Colts could be a frontrunner for Hendrickson, especially since his former defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo, is now with Indy. It makes sense—Anarumo got the best out of Hendrickson, and pairing him with Kwity Paye and Laiatu Latu could transform the Colts' defense.
But here’s the challenge: pulling off this trade won’t be easy. The Bengals are holding firm on their high asking price, and Hendrickson wants a contract that reflects his elite production. The Colts have the cap space to make it work, but do they want to sacrifice high draft picks for him? That’s the big question.
So, where does this leave us? The Bengals need to decide—either pay Hendrickson what he’s worth or risk losing one of their best defensive players. Meanwhile, the Colts and other teams will be watching closely, waiting for the right moment to strike.
One thing’s for sure: this saga isn’t over yet, and it could have a huge impact on the 2025 NFL season. Stay tuned because things are about to get interesting!
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