The Cincinnati Bengals could lose multiple star players this offseason.
Not only could wide receiver Tee Higgins depart as a free agent, they also might lose edge rusher Trey Hendrickson.
The All-Pro sack leader could be in line for a contract extension that the team may not be willing to give him.
“He is entering the final year of his contract. Set to make a little under $16 million next year. Obviously, very, very, very underpaid. … This is a negotiation and both sides have to see eye. … If the Bengals don’t extend Trey Hendrickson, this situation has the potential to get really, really messy,” Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team said.
#Bengals All-Pro DE Trey Hendrickson is due for an extension, and the team acknowledges it. But executive Duke Tobin wasn’t overly optimistic about it getting done—and if it doesn’t, it won’t be all smooth sailing.
From today’s @NFL__Spotlight: https://t.co/pvu4JFDCoj pic.twitter.com/wNWPXwbc5H
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 30, 2025
If the Bengals do not give Hendrickson what he wants, he could sit out or request a trade.
As Meirov noted, Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin said Hendrickson has earned a raise because of his recent production.
He has made four consecutive Pro Bowls since joining the Bengals in 2021, and in four of his past five seasons, he has recorded at least 13.5 sacks and 25 quarterback hits.
At 30 years old, Hendrickson is one of the best in the league at his position and is due for some major money.
The Bengals cannot afford to pay everyone, which is the truth for any team facing big contract-related decisions.
But if the Bengals want to contend for a Super Bowl, they need to consider paying Hendrickson.
