Bengаlѕ' Trey Hendrіckѕon Clаrіfіeѕ Contrаct Stаnce

Elite pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson says the Cincinnati Bengals have "taken great care of me" as he expects a contract extension this offseason.

While all the focus is on who the Cincinnati Bengals might lose in free agency this offseason, their biggest move might be who they decide to keep.

Tee Higgins could be gone, but if the Bengals are going to maintain their defensive foundation Trey Hendrickson needs to stay.

After an All-Pro season in which he led the NFL with 17.5 sacks, the edge-rusher wants a new contract. Negotiating with the Bengals is never easy, but the 30-year-old Hendrickson was optimistic during an appearance on the Ross Tucker Podcast.

"We've had multiple good conversations," Hendrickson said. "It's just actions speak louder than words. That's how I play my game as well, even though I am a trash talker."

Recently, Hendrickson took a hard-line "pay me or trade me" stance. But he is apparently softening.

"I would like to remain a Bengal," Hendrickson said. "Some things in life like long-term security, being able to tell my wife where we're going to raise our son and not have to worry about playing a violent sport and shifting of where we're going—that would be ideal."

Hendrickson backed up his loyalty to the Bengals, claiming he has a good working relationship with management.

"They've taken such great care of me," he said. "It was also like that in free agency. They had to take a chance and believe in me. I don't want that to go underappreciated because we do have this little uncomfortable business negotiations. They've taken care of me off the field as well, with my wife they've been so supportive. They've taken good care of me."

Hendrickson has 35 sacks over the past two seasons and is key to Cincinnati making a return to the playoffs in 2025. Signing him to a contract extension would make sense.