NFL Insider Adam Schefter Weighs In On Bengals Fresh Contract Talks With Trey Hendrickson

CINCINNATI — The Bengal re-engaged with Trey Hendrickson on negotiations over a new deal recently, but things may not be moving along just yet. ESPN's Adam Schefter gave his latest update on the contract situation during Wednesday's episode of The Pat McAfee Show.

Schefter noted a differences in contract years and amount are still hurdles.

"Well, they're talking again, but they're not any further along," Schefter said on the show. "They're talking. It doesn't mean a whole lot right now. It'll mean something if and when they can figure out a way to get a deal done, which they've been unable to do so far. And I think there's a disagreement over value. And I think most important is also a disagreement on length here, length of the deal. I think that's also an issue here.

"The Bengals would like a shorter deal. Hendrickson would like a longer deal, and they can't even find common ground on the length of the deal right now. Now, again, it's June 18, so if it's still not solved by July 18, that's more of an issue. If it's not solved by August 18, then that becomes a real issue. But I think Trey Hendrickson is absolutely frustrated right now and disappointed with the way this whole thing has gone and we see some of these other pass rushers getting paid. And look, it's in the best interest of both sides here, the Bengals and Trey Hendrickson, to get a deal done."

There's no doubt about the conclusion, as Cincinnati would be playing a crucial season in Joe Burrow's prime with a shorthanded defense, while Hendrickson could choose to sit out regular season games.

The Bengals have one month to get a deal done before training camp. Mandatory practices Hendrickson has shown he's willing to miss. The Bengals' top defensive player did not attend any minicamp sessions last week.

"The Bengals & Trey Hendrickson are talking again but they're not any further along..

I think there's a disagreement over value & there's also a disagreement over the length of the deal..

They can't even find common ground on the length of the deal" ~ @AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/JGiDciRqnj
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 18, 2025

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