The Cincinnati Bengals’ roster administration has been a balancing act this offseason.
With large receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins now secured with contemporary contracts, consideration has shifted to a different key piece of their puzzle.
Behind closed doorways, frustration has been brewing with considered one of their defensive cornerstones, and people tensions have spilled into public view.
Following feedback from the entrance workplace, All-Professional edge rusher Trey Hendrickson not too long ago addressed his contract talks.
“By means of this course of, communication, after I say it’s been poor, it’s been like right here and there. … We don’t have any needs of being the very best paid or first in line. We’ve tried to be as affected person as doable,” Hendrickson mentioned on “The Pat McAfee Present.”
“After I say that communication has been poor I imply that it has been right here and there..
We have no want to be the very best paid and we have tried to be as affected person as doable”
Trey Hendrickson #PMSLive https://t.co/SMzJL6gWFD pic.twitter.com/p53eUYt7TJ
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 2, 2025
Set to earn $15.8 million within the ultimate 12 months of his present contract, Hendrickson’s frustration stems from unfulfilled guarantees.
For a number of seasons, he reportedly has acquired assurances that the group would handle his considerations, significantly concerning long-term safety.
But these commitments stay unrealized.
Bengals govt vice chairman Katie Blackburn not too long ago weighed in on the state of affairs, framing it otherwise.
She maintained that the group has prolonged a good and aggressive provide to Hendrickson, one which she believes ought to meet his wants, even when it doesn’t fully fulfill all his calls for.
From the entrance workplace perspective, the holdup lies with Hendrickson’s reluctance to just accept their phrases, regardless of their excessive regard for his contributions.
As either side dig in, Bengals followers are left questioning if this standoff will have an effect on the staff subsequent season or if a compromise will finally bridge the divide.
NEXT: Video Exhibits Ja’Marr Chase Attempting To Recruit Star WR To Bengals