The Bengals and 30-year-old edge rusher Trey Hendrickson are locked in a prolonged contract dispute that has generated persistent trade rumors. Hendrickson signed a four-year, $60 million deal in 2021 with only $16 million guaranteed after a breakout season in New Orleans where he posted 13.5 sacks. The disagreement centers on Hendrickson's contract demands versus the Bengals' reluctance to add significant guarantees, leaving both sides with partial justification. The situation threatens Cincinnati's defensive depth and roster planning, with multiple teams potentially interested and multiple outcomes possible, including a negotiated extension, a trade, or continued stalemate.
After consecutive seasons missing the playoffs, the Bengals continue reloading their roster, trading away a 30-year-old pass rusher after a peak season. And here is the second: Despite contending aspirations, the Bengals refuse their sack leader's contract request, weakening their struggling defense via a last-minute trade. Are either of these good ledes? No. But both could stand atop a quick summary of a potential Hendrickson trade and hold equal truth, depending on the spin the author wants to give.
This Hendrickson contract dispute really started two years ago. At the time, he was halfway through a four-year, $60 million deal he had signed as a free agent in 2021. When Hendrickson signed that deal, he was coming off his first year as a starter for the Saints, racking up 13.5 sacks in 15 games. The Bengals rewarded him with a long contract, but in typical Bengals fashion, it came with minimal guarantees. Only $16 million of his $60 million contract was gua
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