One other domino fell within the move rusher market when T.J. Watt grew to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL historical past late final week. It sounds just like the Cincinnati Bengals and Trey Hendrickson tried to resume their negotiations on the heels of the Watt deal, however did not make and significant progress, per Jordan Schultz on X.
“Sources: The Bengals and All-Professional DE Trey Hendrickson made makes an attempt over the previous few days to reengage on a brand new deal, however talks failed to realize severe momentum,” Schultz wrote. “Each side are dug in and pissed off. I’m informed there are key variations between the 2 sides, and there’s presently no clear path to a decision.”
Hendrickson made a commerce request months in the past, however the Bengals have remained adamant about protecting the band along with all of their star gamers. He watched them signal Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to a mixed $276 million in contracts whereas additionally watching Maxx Crosby, Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt reset the pass-rusher market thrice over.
Assured cash appears to be the sticking level. In line with Manti Te’o on Good Morning Soccer, Hendrickson informed him the Bengals are providing “atrociously, atrociously low” ensures.
Simply yesterday Bengals proprietor Mike Brown informed the media that he expects a deal to get achieved and group exec Duke Tobin confirmed that talks are ongoing. It doesn’t appear as if these talks are going nicely with Hendrickson posting a photograph from Florida on social media whereas the remainder of his group experiences to coaching camp in Cincinnati right now.
Whereas Hendrickson isn’t on the identical tier as Watt or Garrett, he received the league’s sack crown final 12 months with 17.5 QB takedowns, which is identical quantity he had in 2023 as nicely. At 30 years previous, he’s on the tier simply barely beneath the highest guys, however he has each proper to ask for a top-of-market deal.
Sadly for Hendrickson, the Bengals made Chase the highest-paid non-quarterback (on the time of his deal) in March with over $40 million per season. The wage cap can solely be massaged a lot, and Hendrickson’s ask is nearly actually too wealthy for the Bengals’ pocketbook in the mean time. The Bengals are additionally in the course of ugly negotiations with Shemar Stewart, who was drafted within the first spherical to assist ease the potential lack of Hendrickson.
One thing finally has to present in Cincinnati, however it feels like Hendrickson received’t be the one making any concessions.
