The status of Trey Hendrickson’s future with the Cincinnati Bengals remains up in the air as the two sides continue to try and hammer out a contract extension, which is well-deserved for the four-time Pro Bowler.
Hendrickson led the NFL in sacks last season with 17.5, and his 35 sacks since 2023 are the most in the league.
The Bengals desperately need to improve their defense ahead of 2025 and can ill-afford to lose Hendrickson, who was given permission to seek a trade earlier this offseason.
However, the latest update on Hendrickson’s contract situation with the Bengals is a positive one. It comes from The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, who is hearing that there are “really good vibes” when it comes to getting something done.
“I did a little digging on it and I’m still getting really good vibes coming out of Cincy that they’re going to try to get a deal done with Trey [Hendrickson],” she said.
As was the case with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, both of whom got extensions from the Bengals this offseason, Joe Burrow has also lobbied for Hendrickson to finally get paid.
“Joe Burrow has pushed for Cincinnati to lock in Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson,” Russini reported. “Based on conversations I’m having, the Bengals are trying to do just that.”
Some took the Bengals’ draft selection of Shemar Stewart in the first round as a possible sign that Hendrickson’s days could be numbered in Cincinnati.
However, the Bengals had a need along the edge even with Hendrickson on the roster. The team re-signed Joseph Ossai, but he only had five sacks last season. Adding to that, Sam Hubbard announced his retirement from the NFL.
Ideally, the Bengals keep Hendrickson and Stewart answers the bell as a strong complement to the star edge rusher in his first season while Ossai provides good depth behind those two.
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