Trey Hendrickson, Bengals at contract standstill over guarantees

Trey Hendrickson’s future with the Cincinnati Bengals remains uncertain as the team and the star pass rusher remain locked in a contract dispute heading into the 2025 NFL season.

Despite Hendrickson’s consistent production and a cap environment that continues to skyrocket, the Bengals are reportedly offering only a one-year guarantee on any proposed extension. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the lack of long-term financial security is a major sticking point in negotiations.

The 30-year-old defensive end is set to earn $16 million in 2025 — a figure well below the market value for elite edge defenders. Hendrickson is said to be targeting a deal in the range of Maxx Crosby’s $35.5 million per year, far above the $28 million average Cincinnati reportedly proposed earlier this offseason.

Hendrickson’s camp is also pushing for structural changes to the deal. While other top pass rushers have secured three years of guaranteed money, the Bengals continue their typical approach of limiting guarantees to the first year — a strategy they rarely deviate from for non-quarterbacks.

This structure is nothing new for Cincinnati. Even with their stars, the Bengals have shown reluctance. Ja’Marr Chase’s new extension includes three years of guarantees “as a practical matter,” while Tee Higgins’ situation reflects the same hesitation, with only partial guarantees into the second year.

Meanwhile, the gap between Hendrickson’s value and the Bengals’ offer only grows more pronounced when compared to recent mega-deals. While the Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt contracts (both over $40 million annually) are likely out of reach, their existence helps justify Hendrickson’s case for closer-to-top-tier compensation.

If the Bengals don’t budge — both in structure and in average annual value — this impasse could stretch deeper into the offseason. Hendrickson’s production has warranted a raise, but whether Cincinnati is willing to meet market standards remains to be seen.

Stay tuned to OutOfSightSports for more updates on the Bengals and Trey Hendrickson’s contract situation.