The Cincinnati Bengals discover themselves locked in a rising standoff with certainly one of their defensive cornerstones.
Star go rusher Trey Hendrickson has made his place crystal clear as contract tensions that started final season proceed to simmer beneath the floor.
With only one season remaining on his present deal and a considerable $18.6 million cap hit looming for 2025, either side appear to be digging of their heels.
Hendrickson confirmed up on the Bengals’ facility Tuesday for offseason work however stayed on the sidelines throughout discipline actions.
As an alternative, he used the chance to ship an unmistakable message to the entrance workplace, per Jordan Schultz.
“No.”
That was Hendrickson’s simple response when reporters requested if he would play below his present contract phrases.
#Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson: “There may be unprovoked shark assaults and there’s provoked shark assaults.”
Hendrickson added he’s “very disenchanted with the communication” and acknowledged that it “stinks” to learn the way a lot different groups worth him in comparison with his personal:
“They watch me… https://t.co/ghawBbYIRS pic.twitter.com/mPje4T48jA
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) Might 13, 2025
The frustration in his voice was evident as he described the breakdown in negotiations as “private,” pointing to a regarding lack of communication from crew administration.
Whereas not fully shutting the door on reconciliation, Hendrickson made it abundantly clear that the connection has grown more and more strained.
His determination to talk out publicly got here after head coach Zac Taylor knowledgeable him about potential fines for skipping necessary minicamp.
Hendrickson seen this warning as a sign that “one thing received’t get accomplished in that timeframe.”
Maybe most telling was his revelation that “no communication has taken place between my camp and the group publish draft.” This silence has seemingly introduced progress to a whole halt.
Hendrickson emphasised his need to search out center floor shortly however famous it turns into “laborious to do when there is no such thing as a dialogue and an evident lack of curiosity in reaching mutual objectives.”
The defensive standout has earned a Professional Bowl choice each season since becoming a member of the Cincinnati Bengals.
The crew added a one-year extension to his authentic four-year, $60 million contract signed in 2021.
Tensions first surfaced final offseason when Hendrickson requested a commerce after failing to safe a brand new long-term settlement.
NEXT: Trey Hendrickson Makes Large Resolution About Offseason Actions