The Bengals and Trey Hendrickson resume contract talks in June 2025. Will the 2024 sack king get a new deal, or will trade rumors lead to a departure?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
After a long, tense spring, a glimmer of hope has appeared on the horizon for the Cincinnati Bengals and their fans. The team has officially resumed contract negotiations with All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson, breaking a months-long stalemate that saw the NFL's reigning sack king skip the entire offseason program, including mandatory minicamp. But as one door opens, another remains ajar, with trade speculation reaching a fever pitch around the league.
When there's a lack of communication... lack of communication leads to animosity, and that leaves my narrative only to me with no clear direction.
The cold war is over, for now. For months, the only news surrounding Trey Hendrickson was his absence and his fines, which tallied up to nearly $105,000 for skipping mandatory workouts. His frustration was palpable, culminating in a powerful public statement about the breakdown in communication. His words resonated with a fanbase desperate to keep its defensive cornerstone. Now, with talks reportedly back on, there's cautious optimism that the relationship can be mended and a long-term deal can be hammered out for the man who terrorized quarterbacks for 17.5 sacks last season.
While renewed talks are a positive sign, the Bengals front office is still doing its due diligence. Reports indicate the team has been exploring potential trade partners for Hendrickson, a logical move given the uncertainty. An elite pass rusher in his prime is arguably the second-most valuable asset in the NFL behind a franchise QB, and suitors would be lining up. The Bengals' preference is clear: sign #91 to a long-term extension. However, the fact that trade avenues are being explored shows this situation is still on a knife's edge. It's a high-stakes negotiation, and it's not the only one on the docket, as first-round pick DE Shemar Stewart also remains unsigned due to a dispute over contract language.
This isn't just about one player's contract; it's about the Bengals' entire 2025 trajectory. After a disappointing 2024 season that saw them miss the playoffs, the pieces are in place for a massive rebound. Joe Burrow is healthy and ready to reclaim his spot among the elite, the draft class added crucial depth, and a favorable late-season schedule sets the stage for a strong finish. But to truly contend in the brutal AFC North and make a deep playoff run, they need their defensive leader. A happy, motivated, and locked-in Trey Hendrickson is the difference between a good defense and a championship-caliber one. His presence is non-negotiable for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
So, what's next? All eyes are on Duke Tobin and the front office. The coming weeks leading into training camp will be critical. Will they bridge the gap and secure their defensive lynchpin for years to come, sending a message that the Bengals are all-in on winning now? Or will the brinkmanship lead to a franchise-altering trade that sends shockwaves through the locker room? One thing is certain: the resolution of the Trey Hendrickson saga will define the Bengals' offseason and set the tone for a pivotal 2025 campaign.
