Since the report of the Cincinnati Bengals and Trey Hendrickson resuming talks about a possible contract extension, there really hasn’t been much else to report. There hasn’t been any real progress reported for the two sides to come to an agreement.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler appeared on ESPN this weekend and said that despite the communication being reopened, the Bengals and Hendrickson are “not any further along.”

As training camp draws near, one would think both sides would be motivated to get something done before the real preparation for the regular season begins. The Bengals have made it clear that they want Hendrickson in the fold, really not entertaining any trade offers this spring or summer.

Hendrickson made it clear that his motivations in seeking a new deal are long-term security and guaranteed money. With him set to turn 31 this regular season, it sounds as if the Bengals prefer shorter deals that protect the team if his production slips.

Coming off of back-to-back 17.5 sack seasons, the leverage may not favor Hendrickson the way he would hope, but the Bengals almost certainly want to put the distractions behind them before camp opens later this month.

Both sides will have to give in to an extent, but hopefully something can be worked out so the 2024 NFL sack leader can rejoin the team and hopefully help right the ship of the Bengals’ defense.