Sports Illustrated Names Trey Hendrickson's Future as Bengals Biggest Roster Decision

The same story as minicamp approaches.

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) celebrates a stop in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. The Bengals won 19-17 to finish the regular season at 9-8. | Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

CINCINNATI — There's a big Trey Hendrickson question still looming this offseason. Sports Illustrated's Gilberto Manzano noted it's the Bengals' biggest roster decision remaining ahead of Week 1.

Hendrickson stated last week he will not play for the $16 million in cash he's slated to earn this coming season.

"This year-long stalemate seems to be headed for a divorce," Manzano wrote. "Hendrickson recently reported for an offseason workout, but told reporters he feels disrespected by the Bengals and doesn’t plan to play without a contract extension. Hendrickson does have some leverage because the Bengals desperately need him for their poor defense, which failed Joe Burrow’s high-scoring offense countless times in 2024. On the other hand, the team has a sizable chunk of the salary cap tied to Burrow and wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Ironically, the Bengals also have a contract dispute with Hendrickson’s potential replacement, rookie first-rounder Shemar Stewart."

Hendrickson reportedly got offered a new deal worth $28 million a year, but that's a far cry from the $35 million-plus deals Danielle Hunter and Maxx Crosby got this offseason.

Those players are near the same age as Hendrickson, who isn't blind to the contracts getting handed out. The true leverage battle starts playing out next month when Cincinnati has its mandatory minicamp from June 10-12.

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