The Cincinnati Bengals and All-Pro pass rusher Trey Hendrickson reached an agreement on a revised contract, ending his holdout situation and allowing him to play in the 2025 NFL season with a raised salary. The deal includes a $14 million raise, bringing his total salary for the season to $30 million. This resolution comes after months of negotiation and tension between the player and the team, with Hendrickson initially refusing to participate in team drills until his contract was finalized.
The Bengals, who have been looking to solidify their defense, are pleased to have resolved the situation with Hendrickson, who is entering his ninth season in the NFL. The revised contract not only ensures his commitment to the team for the upcoming season but also allows him to prepare for the 2025 campaign without any uncertainties. Despite the agreement, Hendrickson remains an unrestricted free agent after the 2025 season, and the team will need to address his long-term future if they wish to retain him for the next season.
Hendrickson, who has been a cornerstone of the Bengals’ defense, has secured 17.5 sacks in two consecutive seasons and earned a first-team All-Pro honor in 2024. His performance has been a key factor in the team’s success, and the agreement ensures he can contribute to the 2025 season without any financial disputes. The team also made other moves to strengthen their roster, including paying wide receiver Tee Higgins earlier this offseason and resolving the tense situation with first-round pick Shemar Stewart.
With the holdout resolved, the Bengals can now focus on the upcoming season, where they aim to build on their 9-8 record from 2024. The team’s management and coaching staff are optimistic that Hendrickson’s continued performance will help them move closer to the playoffs. However, the uncertainty surrounding his long-term contract remains a challenge, as the Bengals will need to make a decision regarding his future in the coming months.