The Cincinnati Bengals are entering an offseason full of important decisions, and one of their standout defensive players is sending a message loud and clear. All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson, a key part of the Bengals’ pass rush, has made it known he wants a salary increase ahead of the 2025 season.
Hendrickson, one of the most consistent performers on the Bengals’ defense, is approaching the final year of his deal. If an agreement on new terms can’t be reached, he says he may have to explore a trade.
Trey Hendrickson Shares His Thoughts on Playing in Cincinnati
Speaking on the “Pat McAfee Show,” Hendrickson laid it all out in a calm yet firm manner, expressing his desire for clarity on his future with the team.
“The goal is to win a Super Bowl for Cincinnati,” Hendrickson said. “What that looks like this season — if it’s something we can agree on in terms, that would be great. If it’s something that helps the Bengals win a Super Bowl by getting picks or anything like that, I want to help Cincinnati win a Super Bowl, whether I’m there or not.”
In the friendliest way possible, #Bengals star DE Trey Hendrickson makes it clear he needs his contract adjusted before next season—or a trade could be necessary:
“The goal is to win a Super Bowl for Cincinnati. What that looks like this season—if it’s something we can agree on… https://t.co/SynVPISnxe pic.twitter.com/pyUtGZ4cyX
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 5, 2025
Hendrickson’s statement reflects the complicated relationship between a star player, a team on the rise, and a front office that needs to make tough financial decisions. But his stance is clear — he’s not trying to cause a stir, but the clock is ticking, and he wants to be compensated for his elite-level play.
Bengals Battling Against the NFL Salary Cap
Hendrickson has been one of the league’s top pass rushers since joining the Bengals in 2021, and with 17.5 sacks in each of the last two seasons, he’s only solidified his worth.
However, his contract hasn’t been adjusted to reflect his role as one of the top defensive linemen in the NFL. The 30-year-old signed a one-year deal worth $21 million in 2024, with $8 million guaranteed.
It’s clear that Hendrickson’s message comes from a place of loyalty and a genuine desire to remain in Cincinnati, not from frustration with the team. As he mentioned, his goal is to help the Bengals win a Super Bowl. But like any star player looking to secure his financial future, Hendrickson recognizes that his current contract doesn’t reflect his contributions.
The Bengals, on the other hand, find themselves in a tricky situation. The team has a number of financial decisions to make, especially with a high-powered offense led by Joe Burrow and weapons like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to take care of.
Cincinnati’s window for a championship is wide open, but the franchise will need to balance building around Burrow with ensuring defensive stars like Hendrickson are taken care of financially.
