Perhaps the Cincinnati Bengals and defensive end Trey Hendrickson will end up with a new contract after all. Earlier this offseason he was granted permission to seek a trade, then he said he wouldn’t play under the current one, then they were going to work out a new contract, then he was a holdout before he wasn’t.
That sentence went on too long, but to continue, the Bengals then said they were fielding trade offers for Hendrickson and there was some other contract smoke, but here we are. With the season so close, maybe there is actually some real movement on a new deal now.
NFL Insider Jordan Schultz said Monday night that the two sides have taken a new angle on trade talks.
“Sources: The #Bengals have re-started talks with All-Pro DE Trey Hendrickson on a new deal for 2025,” Schultz reported on the platform formerly known as Twitter. “My understanding is the two sides have been exploring a more ‘unqiue’ [sic] avenue to get something done. Giving Hendrickson more money this season while still letting his contract expire after the year — has been discussed.”
“More work to do, but there’s cautious optimism,” a source said, per Schultz.
Trey Hendrickson may have indicated a return on Instagram
Over the weekend, Hendrickson posted a cryptic message on Instagram. Whether or not you think anything of it is up to the individual.
Hendrickson posted a picture with the caption: “Proverbs 21:31.”
According to the bible, the verse says: “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.”
Apparently, some people took that as a sign that Hendrickson is ready to suit up with the Bengals and when they win he goes to heaven? Something like that? How many sacks get you beyond the pearly gates? I guess one could take that bible verse and find a way to relate it to contract negotiations with the Brown family. Maybe?
Last contract update for Trey Hendrickson involved guaranteed money
The last somewhat substantial update wasn’t all that substantial and came from ESPN’s Laura Rutledge on the last Monday Night Football game of the preseason.
Dave Clark of the Cincinnati Enquirer said that before the game she reported that the two sides have agreed on money and years, but that they still have the sticking point of guaranteed money.
“ESPN’s Laura Rutledge reported before the start of the Cincinnati Bengals’ NFL preseason game against the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, that defensive end Trey Hendrickson and the team have agreed on the years and total dollar amount for a new contract, but not on guaranteed money,” Clark wrote.
This wasn’t entirely new, that rumor has been circulating for months now. And, it makes perfect sense considering how the Brown’s handle their business. Guaranteed money was the main reason that first-round pick Shemar Stewart was so late to sign in training camp.
It will be interesting to learn more about this “unique” approach to the Hendrickson contract situation.
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