Bengаlѕ 'Workіng On' Fіnаl Trey Hendrіckѕon Contrаct Decіѕіon

The Cincinnati Bengals have made their two biggest moves of the offseason, but as Trey Hendrickson awaits a new deal, the job isn't done just yet.

The Cincinnati Bengals effectively hit the mute button when they extended receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. No longer could critics demand the front office make Chase the highest-paid non-quarterback in the sport or give Higgins a blank check to remain a top secondary option in the passing game.

These deals will have cap consequences, but locking in two players of their caliber will always go down as a win. Yet, it’s hard to call the Bengals' offseason champions when they haven’t improved as much as they’ve retained star talent, and even that job isn’t finished just yet.

Star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson is still without a contract extension, and as top pass rushers continue to get paid, his price is only increasing.

While it initially seemed like the new contracts on offense would render Hendrickson a non-priority, insider Ian Rapoport revealed that the Bengals are “working on” a massive Hendrickson extension, and his confidence lends itself to optimism.

"Hendrickson is awesome. He deserves a lot of money. I think his next contract is going to be above 30 [million per year]. Is it going to beat Max Crosby [$35 million per year]? I don't know, but it's going to be above 30," Rapoport said on “The Pat McAfee Show.” "I know the Bengals are working on it. And I know they would like to keep him in the building.

“They would like to pay him. And I think they would like people to stop saying, 'Why don't the Bengals pay their guys?' Because they do. And I think getting Hendrickson done at a money and a value that makes sense for both sides will be a great way for the Bengals to be like: 'See.'"

There are multiple factors making a Hendrickson deal more difficult, including the recent extensions, Myles Garrett’s record-setting contract with the Cleveland Browns, and Hendrickson approaching his age-31 season at a position that Father Time is particularly unkind towards.

Still, it’s clear Cincinnati is a better team with Hendrickson headlining its defensive line, and with Joe Burrow under center, the Super Bowl window has already arrived.

The Bengals quieted criticism with their lofty extensions, but if the job is truly going to get done, it likely ends with Hendrickson putting pen to paper on a deal approaching (if not meeting) nine figures.

"The Bengals do not like letting good players leave the building," Rapoport said. "Even if it's for like a huge draft pick, they don't like it. They like to develop, draft, develop, sign their own guys. And I think they get annoyed that people think that they don't sign their guys."

Hendrickson is not one of “their guys,” signed in free agency from the New Orleans Saints. But in Cincinnati, he’s found 57 sacks, an All-Pro selection, and a chance to compete for a title.

Burrow’s prowess demands aggression. Signing Hendrickson is merely a fulfillment of that obligation.