The Cincinnati Bengals are hard at work trying to figure out a way to contractually placate their star edge rusher, Trey Hendrickson. Hendrickson is currently the 10th highest-ranked edge rusher and is raking in an explosive average annual salary of $21 million. This season is the last year of his deal. The team has graciously permitted him to look for a trade as he is trying to get the best long-term deal he can get. This push follows Hendrickson’s trade request in 2024, blaming the lack of a long-term deal.
Hendrickson has been instrumental to the Bengals’ defense, significantly contributing to the team’s success. Last year, he had a monster year, accounting for 17.5 of his team’s 36 combined sacks. This accomplishment made for his greatest campaign in the association. His unrivaled greatness has led him to four Pro Bowl nods in four years.
Just two years ago, Hendrickson was taking the NFL by storm, leading the league in sacks. He ultimately made his first All-Pro team that season. Even with his contract hangups up in the air, he still showed up for offseason workouts in 2024 without a freshly inked deal.
“Trey’s been a big part of our team,” – Zac Taylor
After the 2020 season, in a surprise move, Hendrickson became an unrestricted free agent and signed a four-year, $60 million deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. He subsequently signed a one-year extension, showing his dedication to the team. As it stands, they are locked in a contract standoff. There is hope they could take a big leap defensively, mostly because they get Hendrickson for a second straight season.
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