T
he Cincinnati Bengals have a really big problem on their hands. All offseason long, the franchise has had to deal with a contract standoff with star edge rusher, Trey Hendrickson, who has been very vocal about his desire for a new contract. Coming off of a season where he recorded 17.5 sacks, he wants to be among the highest paid players at his position.
But the Bengals have not come anywhere close to his wish, and Hendrickson even spoke with the media a couple of months ago to declare that he would not suit up for the team without a new contract. And a day before the Bengals are set to open training camp, Hendrickson has stuck to his word and did not report to camp with the rest of the veterans on July 22.
The Current Situation with Hendrickson
Entering the final season of the contract that he signed with the Bengals prior to 2021, Hendrickson is not only seeking a new extension but wants more guarantees, believing that two strong seasons have warranted him that right. According to Adam Schefter, that is the main reason for the standoff. And the Bengals have only offered Hendrickson one year worth of guarantees instead of offering him a deal that includes multiple years of guarantees.
Other big name edge rushers on the other hand, have all signed contract extensions with plenty of guarantees, with players such as Myles Garrett, Maxx Crosby and T.J. Watt all earning extensions with multi-season guarantees. Bengals’ owner, Mike Brown, commented at the team’s annual luncheon on July 21 about the Hendrickson situation and did not shy away from pointing out that Hendrickson has always been tough to negotiate with.
“We like Trey as a person,” Brown said. “He’s a good guy. But when it comes to these negotiations and we’ve been through a few of them with him, he pushes hard, he gets emotional. We never have an easy time of it, but there’s one thing that is consistent — it always gets done and I think this one will. But we’ll see.”
The Bengals’ Tough Offseason with Contracts
Hendrickson is not the only big name player who the Bengals are in a contract dispute with. Rookie edge rusher, Shemar Stewart— who the Bengals drafted at No. 17 overall– is yet to sign his rookie contract with the team. But Bengals head coach, Zac Taylor, was hesitant to compare the two situations, alluding to Hendrickson’s veteran status in the league and how he has been able to really prove himself as a star during his time with the Bengals.
“I think rookies are different because they haven’t had the time on the field and proven themselves yet at this level,” Taylor said. “I think any time missed is pretty critical for those guys. Whereas the vets, I’ve seen Henrickson play. We’d love to have him in here, love to get it done, but I know what to expect from Trey when he gets in here.”
As for new defensive coordinator, Al Golden, he is eager for Hendrickson to get back out onto the field so that he has his best player available when preparations for games begin.
“It’s a tough situation as coaches,” Golden said. “We’re always supportive of that intersection of management and player. At the end of the day, we have a job to do each day, and we just hope for a quick resolution.”
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