The Cincinnati Bengals find themselves locked in a growing standoff with one of their defensive cornerstones.
Star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson has made his position crystal clear as contract tensions that began last season continue to simmer beneath the surface.
With just one season remaining on his current deal and a substantial $18.6 million cap hit looming for 2025, both sides seem to be digging in their heels.
Hendrickson showed up at the Bengals’ facility Tuesday for offseason work but stayed on the sidelines during field activities.
Instead, he used the opportunity to deliver an unmistakable message to the front office, per Jordan Schultz.
“No.”
That was Hendrickson’s straightforward response when reporters asked if he would play under his current contract terms.
#Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson: “There is unprovoked shark attacks and there’s provoked shark attacks.”
Hendrickson added he’s “very disappointed with the communication” and acknowledged that it “stinks” to learn how much other teams value him compared to his own:
“They watch me… https://t.co/ghawBbYIRS pic.twitter.com/mPje4T48jA
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 13, 2025
The frustration in his voice was evident as he described the breakdown in negotiations as “personal,” pointing to a concerning lack of communication from team management.
While not completely shutting the door on reconciliation, Hendrickson made it abundantly clear that the relationship has grown increasingly strained.
His decision to speak out publicly came after head coach Zac Taylor informed him about potential fines for skipping mandatory minicamp.
Hendrickson viewed this warning as a signal that “something won’t get done in that time frame.”
Perhaps most telling was his revelation that “no communication has taken place between my camp and the organization post draft.” This silence has seemingly brought progress to a complete halt.
Hendrickson emphasized his desire to find middle ground quickly but noted it becomes “hard to do when there is no discussion and an evident lack of interest in reaching mutual goals.”
The defensive standout has earned a Pro Bowl selection every season since joining the Cincinnati Bengals.
The team added a one-year extension to his original four-year, $60 million contract signed in 2021.
Tensions first surfaced last offseason when Hendrickson requested a trade after failing to secure a new long-term agreement.
NEXT: Trey Hendrickson Makes Big Decision About Offseason Activities