Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson locks down contract year $30M during 2025

Trey Hendrickson, Bengals Reach Contract Resolution

The contract standoff between Trey Hendrickson and the Cincinnati Bengals has come to an end. The Pro Bowl edge rusher agreed to an adjusted deal that raises his 2025 salary to $30 million, resolving months of tension that stretched through much of the offseason.

The new agreement runs only through the 2025 season, setting Hendrickson up for potential free agency next year if the Bengals do not use the franchise tag. With 35 sacks over the last two seasons, including a league-leading 17.5 in 2024, Hendrickson has established himself as one of the NFL’s most disruptive pass rushers. If he maintains that level of production, he will be in line for a significant payday on the open market, even as he approaches his 31st birthday this December.

Hendrickson’s situation had lingered for months, featuring trade rumors, missed practices, and prolonged frustration over his contract status. Cincinnati ultimately relented with a raise, a decision the team could hardly afford to delay with the season looming. The Bengals’ defense was a major weakness in 2024 despite Hendrickson’s individual dominance, and his presence remains essential to their chances of rebounding in 2025.

For the Bengals, the timing of the resolution is less than ideal. Hendrickson has not participated in much on-field work this summer, leaving questions about how quickly he can get up to speed. The team has historically struggled early in seasons under head coach Zac Taylor, making Hendrickson’s readiness even more critical.

Once integrated back into the lineup, Hendrickson will pair with first-round pick Shemar Stewart to anchor a defensive front Cincinnati hopes can fuel a turnaround. If the veteran maintains his sack-producing form and Stewart develops as expected, the Bengals could field a far more competitive defense this fall.

Still, this deal may only provide a temporary fix. Hendrickson’s age and production put him in a unique spot—too valuable to let walk, yet potentially too expensive for the Bengals to keep long term after heavy financial commitments to offensive stars. This season could end up being the final chapter of his Cincinnati tenure, but for now, the Bengals retain their top defensive playmaker at a crucial moment.