Trey Hendrickson says Bengals exec’s contract comments were ‘disappointing’

Trey Hendrickson has been a standout player for the Cincinnati Bengals over the past four NFL seasons, showcasing his skills as a top pass rusher. With just one year left on his contract, Hendrickson recently requested permission to seek a trade, but he has expressed his desire to stay in Cincinnati.

“However it shakes out, there’s nowhere I’d rather be,” Hendrickson stated in early March. Despite his trade request, the star defensive end hopes to reach a new contract agreement with the Bengals. During the NFL Scouting Combine, Bengals director of personnel Duke Tobin indicated that progress was being made on a new deal for Hendrickson.

However, comments from Bengals executive vice president Katie Blackburn at the league’s annual meeting seemed to contradict Tobin’s remarks. This lack of communication led to frustration on Hendrickson’s part, as he called out the organization for not keeping him and his agent in the loop.

Hendrickson mentioned that talks with the Bengals have been sporadic and inconsistent in recent months. His current estimated base salary of just over $15 million for the upcoming season falls short of the lucrative deals signed by other defensive ends in the league.

Players like Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby have secured high-paying extensions, with Garrett’s deal averaging around $40 million annually. Despite this, Hendrickson emphasized that he is not seeking to be the highest-paid player but is looking for a long-term commitment from the Bengals.

“I don’t think I want to play for incentives that will be out of my control. I don’t think I want to play on a short-term contract,” Hendrickson explained. He expressed his desire for stability and the ability to plan for the future with his family.

While the situation with the Bengals remains uncertain, Hendrickson reiterated that the lines of communication are open on his end. He emphasized that he and his agent are willing to listen to any offers from the team and are open to finding a resolution that works for both parties.

As negotiations continue, fans of the Bengals will be eagerly awaiting news of whether Hendrickson will remain in Cincinnati or potentially seek a new team. With his impressive track record as a pass rusher, Hendrickson’s presence on the field is sure to make a significant impact wherever he plays in the upcoming season.