Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson Slams “Atrociously Low” Contract Offer

By Jason Bolton July 24, 2025 12:25

Trey Hendrickson’s contract standoff with the Cincinnati Bengals has reached a critical juncture as training camp gets underway without the star defensive end reporting. The 29-year-old pass rusher, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in both 2023 and 2024 and earned first-team All-Pro honors last year, has publicly slammed the Bengals’ latest contract offer as "atrociously, atrociously low," particularly criticizing the amount of guaranteed money proposed .

Hendrickson is entering the final year of a contract extension he signed before the 2023 season, set to make $15.8 million in base salary in 2025. Despite that figure, Hendrickson and his agents have made it clear they are unwilling to play under the current terms without a new long-term deal that reflects his market value. The Bengals have offered a deal reportedly around $28 million per year, but the structure and guarantees have been sticking points.

Former teammate and analyst Manti Te’o revealed that Hendrickson described the Bengals' offers to him as “atrociously low,” underscoring his dissatisfaction with the current negotiations. Te’o also noted that while Hendrickson is open to considering a shorter deal duration to reach an agreement, the Bengals remain firm on a shorter contract versus the long-term security Hendrickson seeks. The defensive end has expressed frustration over a recurring cycle of short extensions, emphasizing that he wants stability rather than renegotiations every offseason.

From the Bengals’ side, team president Duke Tobin and owner Mike Brown have publicly acknowledged Hendrickson’s importance and the need to reward him with a raise. Tobin stated, “He’s a guy who’s been very valuable… he’s earned a raise and an extension," while Brown expressed optimism, saying, “I think we’re in a good spot. I hope this thing comes together soon.” Yet, despite goodwill on both sides, the stalemate persists largely because Cincinnati’s standard practice to offer non-quarterbacks only one year of fully guaranteed money conflicts with Hendrickson’s demands. This is significant since other elite edge rushers, including Myles Garrett, Maxx Crosby, and T.J. Watt, have secured multiple years of guaranteed pay in recent deals.

The urgency to resolve this drama is heightened by the Bengals’ aspirations to complement their high-powered offense anchored by Joe Burrow and a talented receiving corps with a stout defense capable of sustaining playoff runs. Hendrickson’s presence on the edge is vital to their defensive identity. With training camp underway and Hendrickson absent, the Bengals face a risky situation that could affect chemistry and performance early in the season.

Despite trading rumors earlier in the offseason, the Bengals have made clear multiple times that Hendrickson will not be moved. Brown firmly stated, “We are not going to trade Trey. We are working on getting it done.” While both parties appear motivated to reach a deal, time will tell if the Bengals can meet Hendrickson’s expectations for guaranteed money and contract length, or if the star pass rusher will miss valuable time.

In summary, Trey Hendrickson’s contract dispute is emblematic of a growing trend in the NFL where elite edge rushers demand contracts that reflect their significant market value and impact on the game. The Bengals have acknowledged his importance but face delicate salary cap decisions that complicate negotiations. As the 2025 season looms, the resolution of this impasse will play a pivotal role in Cincinnati’s on-field success and the future of one of its defensive cornerstones.