Trey Hendrickson Just Got a $14 Million Raise, But This Wasn’t the Original Plan
Trey Hendrickson led the NFL in sacks last season, but his offseason was defined by a contract standoff. He skipped workouts, risked heavy fines, and left his future in Cincinnati in question. Talks dragged for months before the Bengals finally offered a revised deal: a one-year raise that lifts his 2025 salary to $30 million, short of the long-term extension he had hoped for.
It’s a huge win on paper, but it wasn’t the contract either side originally envisioned. The question is what that means for both Hendrickson and the Bengals.
A Contract Dispute That Stretched All Summer
The roots of Hendrickson’s situation go back to 2023, when he agreed to a one-year extension worth $21 million. That short-term deal locked him into Cincinnati’s plans through 2025 but also limited his leverage this offseason. As he pushed for more security, the Bengals pointed to the extension and chose not to budge.
By June, Hendrickson had skipped minicamp and stayed off the field for the first five training camp practices. Each absence came with a $50,000 fine, and missing preseason games would have meant forfeiting game checks worth hundreds of thousands.
He eventually returned in late July to attend meetings and mentor younger teammates, even though he didn’t practice. Coaches praised his leadership, but the business side loomed large.
Talks shifted in late August when the Bengals offered a significant one-year raise. The deal bumped Hendrickson’s 2025 salary to roughly $30 million with incentives, a $14 million increase. While it left his future unresolved, he can test free agency in 2026.
Hendrickson called the offer “humbling” and said he and his wife prayed on it before he signed. He described it as a blessing for his family while also giving the Bengals the roster stability they wanted. For the Bengals, it locked in the league’s reigning sack champion, who posted 17.5 sacks in each of the last two seasons, right when the defense needed stability.
Shifting Focus Back to Football
With the contract settled, Hendrickson jumped into practice for the first time this year. He emphasized that his new priority is raising the production of those around him. Last season, the gap between his numbers and the next closest Bengals defender was wide. He wants to close it by mentoring players like first-round pick Shemar Stewart, who has turned heads in camp.
Defensive coordinator Al Golden noted that Hendrickson’s conditioning work with the strength staff kept him ready and that his resume allows him to plug back into the lineup quickly. Teammates have already relied on him for guidance, and now he’ll have the chance to lead on the field instead of just from the sideline.
A Raise Amid Cincinnati’s Bigger Picture
Hendrickson’s deal capped off a busy financial stretch for the Bengals. Earlier this year, the team gave Ja’Marr Chase the richest non-quarterback contract in league history and made Tee Higgins one of the top-paid wideouts. Combined with Joe Burrow’s record-setting extension, Cincinnati has invested heavily in its core.
The Bengals expect to contend for a Super Bowl this season, and Hendrickson will play a central role in that push. For 2025, both sides got what they needed.