Playing with fire has never scared the Cincinnati Bengals, whether they realize it or not.
The club known for holding firm in contract negotiations with its top players values . . . well, value. Consistent efforts to get the best possible deals with their own players have elongated timelines for contract extensions to be finalized.
Not only has this style of business style led to the Bengals paying more due to position market prices elevating in the time spent idling, but frustration from the players' side has become common.
This same situation has been happening with Trey Hendrickson, and it's gotten the attention from around the league.
Cincinnati has verbalized its intention to reward Hendrickson with an extension this offseason, but drawing out the negotiations over the course of several months while the All-Pro defensive end threatens to hold out this year has created a tense situation. Hendrickson skipped the entire offseason program and is unlikely to report to training camp without a new deal.
A to Z Sports' Kyle Crabbs labeled Cincinnati's handling of Hendrickson this offseason as the team's boldest move.
Not only is Hendrickson not further compensated as he preps to enter into a contract year, he's also getting more agitated by the situation. Recent reports suggest that there's some new momentum on this front — which would be a sorely needed development for Cincinnati's defensive outlook in 2025. Here's hoping this one, mercifully, gets done sooner rather than later. — A to Z Sports' Kyle Crabbs
The strategy is not hard to decipher, but it does come with obvious risk. The Bengals are operating under the belief that Hendrickson will accept the best deal possible before the season begins. In doing so, they're accepting one of their best players being away from the team for several months, which could have a negative on the start of the season.
Last month brought optimism with both sides resuming talks about a deal, but no reported progress has been made.
It doesn't help the Bengals' case that former and current players like Terron Armstead and Lawrence Guy are both firmly on Hendrickson's side here. The consensus strongly believes Hendrickson's demands should be met and the Bengals have little leverage.
The team would say it has all the leverage since Hendrickson is under contract, which is correct, but it doesn't negate Hendrickson's grievances. Him being absent for the first offseason under new defensive coordinator Al Golden has not necessarily been a positive, despite Golden's efforts to spin it as such . Think back to last training camp when Ja'Marr Chase watched from the sidelines and how it impacted the first two weeks of the season. You want your best players happy and practicing.
That hasn't happened yet with Hendrickson, the indisputable best player on Cincinnati's defense. Until it does, the Bengals are running a risky play.
-1750393800-q80.webp "Saints rookie Tyler Shough's power move could have major consequences throughout the NFL")
-1752281127-q80.webp "With new contract extension, here are 4 things Ryan Poles must accomplish")
-1750302488-q80.webp "Patriots' New Defender Making Poor Early Impression")