Cincinnati Bengals Defensive End Trey Hendrickson just capped off a regular season for the ages. He won the sack title with 17.5 sacks during the regular season. He beat out all-time greats like Myles Garrett and Micah Parsons to win the prestigious award. Hendrickson’s great season earned him a fourth straight Pro Bowl selection and the second-best odds to take home Defensive Player of the Year honors.
The defensive end’s great season did not help the Cincinnati defense have much success during the regular season. The unit was 25th in yards allowed and 26th in points allowed. Hendrickson was not the only Bengals player who had a historic campaign. Quarterback Joe Burrow led the league in passing yards and passing touchdowns while Wide Receiver Ja’Marr Chase won the receiving triple crown. Will the defensive end be able to build on his career season in 2025 and beyond?
Trey Hendrickson’s Career Trajectory
Hendrickson was drafted in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. He spent his first four seasons with the Saints before signing a four-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021. His career has taken off with the Bengals as he has back-to-back seasons with 17.5 sacks. Hendrickson has also put up double-digit sacks in three of his four seasons in Cincinnati.
This offseason may be a bumpy one for the star defensive end and the team. Hendrickson requested a trade in April 2024 after the sides could not come to terms on a long-term contract extension. He is tied to the Bengals through the 2025 season. Only time will tell if the star defensive player and the team can agree to a contract extension during the NFL Offseason.
Final Thoughts
Following their second consecutive season missing the playoffs, the Cincinnati Bengals have many questions to address in the offseason. One question surrounds a contract with Hendrickson, but star Wide Receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are both angling for a big payday as well.
