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Ben Child
CINCINNATI — For the primary time in a number of months, there may be some optimism surrounding Trey Hendrickson‘s future with the Bengals.
The 2 sides have resumed communication on his contract and future with the group, sources instructed ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Sunday. Hendrickson, who’s coming off an All-Professional season and was the NFL’s sack chief with 17.5 in 2024, says he stays steadfast in his want for a long-term contract extension.
However this can be a optimistic flip in what has been a fierce stalemate. Hendrickson didn’t take part in any of the group’s offseason exercises, together with final week’s necessary minicamp. By lacking the three-day session, Hendrickson was topic to fines of practically $105,000.
The one time Hendrickson made an look this offseason was to carry an prolonged information convention with reporters to elucidate his aspect of the negotiation course of. In these feedback, Hendrickson repeatedly took umbrage with the dearth of communication between himself and the Bengals in contract talks.
“When there is a lack of communication in any relationship, the place it is a enterprise or private relationship, lack of communication results in animosity, and that leaves my narrative solely to me with no clear path,” Hendrickson stated Might 13 when requested about whether or not he needs to stay with the Bengals.
Hendrickson, 30, is about to enter the ultimate 12 months of his contract. He’s searching for a long-term deal that places him in keeping with the NFL’s different main go rushers. Over the previous three seasons, Hendrickson has 43 complete sacks, one fewer than the Cleveland Browns‘ Myles Garrett, who led the league throughout that span.
This offseason, Garrett signed a contract extension with the Browns that’s valued at $40 million per 12 months. Hendrickson is about to earn $16 million this season however has already said his want to not play on his present deal.
Final week, Bengals coach Zac Taylor was requested in regards to the significance of getting Hendrickson when coaching camp begins in late July.
“I believe anytime you’ve gotten nice gamers, you need them to be round,” Taylor stated. “That is only a determination he is received happening proper now, and we’ll preserve specializing in the blokes which are right here.”
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow stated not having Hendrickson within the fold “in fact” has been a distraction, however it’s additionally part of the sport.
“You’d like to have [no contract disputes], however that is life within the NFL,” Burrow stated. “We’re all supporting Trey and would like to have him again.”
Hendrickson is not the one contract challenge the Bengals are attempting to navigate. Rookie defensive finish Shemar Stewart has but to signal his rookie deal and has not participated in any group exercises due to a dispute over contract language.
