Bengals Star Trey Hendrickson Seeks New Contract After Dominant Season

CINCINNATI — Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson is pushing for a new contract following an impressive 2024 season in which he led the NFL with 17.5 sacks. In a recent interview on the Ross Tucker Podcast, Hendrickson expressed his desire to remain with the team long-term.

The 30-year-old said, “We’ve had multiple good conversations. It’s just actions speak louder than words. That’s how I play my game as well, even though I am a trash talker.” He emphasized the importance of stability and security for his family, stating, “Some things in life like long-term security, being able to tell my wife where we’re going to raise our son and not have to worry about playing a violent sport—that would be ideal.”

Despite concerns about the contract negotiations, Hendrickson defended the Bengals, pointing out their support not just during his time with the team but also during free agency. “They’ve taken such great care of me. I don’t want that to go underappreciated because we do have these little uncomfortable business negotiations,” he remarked. “They’ve taken care of me off the field as well, with my wife—they’ve been so supportive.”

Hendrickson’s performance has been pivotal for Cincinnati over the past two seasons, contributing a total of 35 sacks. As the team prepares for the 2025 season, retaining Hendrickson will be crucial for maintaining its competitive edge, especially in a league featuring talented quarterbacks such as Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes.

In the podcast, Hendrickson noted the Bengals’ reputation as a tough team to negotiate with but remained optimistic about his future with the franchise. “I really don’t want to be a distraction for the team,” he stated, reiterating his commitment to the Bengals and his teammates.

Hendrickson’s negotiations highlight a to-do list for the Bengals this off-season, which includes extending contracts for fellow players Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The franchise has the financial resources to make these moves, but it will require stepping out of their comfort zone.

As the 2025 season approaches, Hendrickson’s status remains a focal point for fans and analysts alike. The team will need to make strategic decisions to keep its core players intact while also considering the business aspect of player contracts.