The Cincinnati Bengals inked both wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to monstrously large contracts this week.
Chase will have an annual average of $40.25 million over the course of the next four seasons, which sets an NFL record for the highest average annual salary for a non-quarterback.
Higgins secured a four-year, $115 million deal that is guaranteed for the first two years per ESPN.
That all leaves the Bengals star pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson in limbo for a new contract.
Hendrickson is currently playing on a one-year, $21 million contract with a base salary of $15.8 million.
As he seeks a long-term extension with Cincinnati, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on "SportsCenter" that it's "entirely possible" that Hendrickson sits out all of the 2025 campaign if he doesn't come to an agreement with Cincinnati in the offseason.
"I think it's entirely possible, based on what I'm hearing, for him to sit out the year if he doesn't get a new deal," Fowler said. "I think that's his mindset right now."
Fowler also reported that Hendrickson is shopping for a new contract "well above $30 million per year." He added that Cincinnati has already made him an offer.
The team's sack leader in 2024 is already earning $30 million per year, so he is looking to significantly upgrade from the market value he carried when he last signed an extension in 2023.
Since quarterback Joe Burrow is earning $55 million a year in addition to the receiving duo's expenses, it will be extremely challenging for general manager Duke Tobin to accommodate Hendrickson, especially with the narrow time frame.
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This story was originally published March 19, 2025 at 6:29 PM.