Trey Hendrickson and Bengals Negotiating Contract Extension Amid Cap Challenges
Star defensive end Trey Hendrickson and the Cincinnati Bengals are actively working toward a long-term contract extension, reversing course after initial discussions suggested he might be traded. Hendrickson, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024, has one year remaining on his current deal, which includes a base salary of $15.8 million for the 2025 season.
The Bengals’ pursuit of a new agreement with Hendrickson comes amidst considerable salary-cap challenges. Cincinnati recently committed significant financial resources to wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, securing both players with lucrative extensions.
Chase, widely considered one of the NFL’s premier talents, agreed to a groundbreaking four-year, $161 million contract, including $112 million guaranteed. His average annual salary of $40.25 million now sets an NFL record for a non-quarterback player. Chase, who turned 25 in March, dominated last season with league-leading statistics, including 127 receptions, 1,708 receiving yards, and 17 touchdown catches.
Higgins, the Bengals’ dependable number-two receiver, reached terms on a four-year deal worth $115 million, with guaranteed money for the first two years. Cincinnati had used the franchise tag on Higgins for two consecutive years to prevent him from entering unrestricted free agency. Higgins, 26, had a strong showing last season, recording 73 receptions for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns in just 12 games.
Given these significant investments, the Bengals are carefully navigating salary-cap limitations to retain Hendrickson, an elite pass rusher who has accumulated 57 sacks and 11 forced fumbles since joining Cincinnati in 2021. He has been a cornerstone for the Bengals’ defense and was named first-team All-Pro in 2024.
Recent market developments, notably lucrative extensions signed by top defensive players such as Maxx Crosby (three-year, $106.5 million) and Myles Garrett (four-year, $160 million), have raised the stakes considerably for premium pass rushers like Hendrickson.
Bengals’ personnel executive Duke Tobin previously indicated at the NFL Scouting Combine that retaining Hendrickson remains a top priority, underscoring the team’s commitment to keeping its defensive core intact.
The Bengals’ moves reflect their intention to maintain championship-caliber talent on both sides of the ball, especially with quarterback Joe Burrow expressing strong support for keeping key players like Higgins and Chase, both of whom have thrived alongside him since entering the league.
