Hendrickson, who is entering the final year of his contract and is set to earn $16 million, has made it clear he wants a new deal that reflects his elite production.
After leading the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024—matching his total from 2023—and earning First-Team All-Pro honors, Hendrickson is believed to be seeking a contract in the range of $30 million annually.
While there was interest from other teams, the Bengals were never eager to part ways with their top pass rusher.
Allegedly Trey Hendrickson and the Bengals could be close to getting a deal done #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/UWaZlIlXGZ
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 26, 2025
Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz reported that the Bengals and team ownership have now firmly decided to keep Hendrickson and are prepared to work toward a contract extension.
“I don’t believe they want to trade him at all,” Schultz said on The NFL on Fox Podcast. “After talking to multiple people involved, they have now reached the conclusion that a trade is really off the table.”
This stance comes despite previous reports from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler suggesting that talks had stalled and Hendrickson was unwilling to play under his current deal.
We can stop worrying about Trey Hendrickson, he’s a bengal he will be extended and we will go on a run.
— Korey Jennings (@KJReporttt) March 25, 2025
The Bengals are navigating a challenging cap situation after signing Ja'Marr Chase to a four-year, $161 million deal and Tee Higgins to a four-year, $115 million contract.
With $24.2 million in 2025 cap space, the team still has room to negotiate with Hendrickson, though finding common ground remains critical. The recent one-year, $35.6 million extension signed by fellow edge rusher Danielle Hunter with the Houston Texans may serve as a blueprint.
For now, Cincinnati appears committed to retaining one of the NFL’s most productive defensive players and avoiding a disruptive holdout as they look to return to playoff contention.
Photo Credit: Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
