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Ben Baby
CINCINNATI — The remaining significant contract concern for the Cincinnati Bengals might be edging closer to a conclusion.
Star defensive end Trey Hendrickson is scheduled to conclude his absence and join training camp on Wednesday, sources informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Hendrickson has been away for the team’s initial week of practices as he aims to secure a contract extension ahead of the approaching season.
Hendrickson was formally added to the team’s did not report list on July 23, a day following the rest of the team’s experienced players arrived. Based on the conditions of the existing collective bargaining agreement between the league and the NFL Players Association, Hendrickson could be penalized a maximum of $50,000 for each day missed. If Hendrickson’s absence involved missed preseason games, he also was exposed to forfeiting some of his base salary for the 2025 season.
However, perhaps more significantly, Hendrickson’s choice to join the Bengals for training camp might assist in creating progress in the impasse.
According to a source, Hendrickson’s anticipated arrival acts as a positive signal to initiate talks with the team.
Hendrickson, who will be 31 this season, is the current NFL sack leader. He was chosen for the Associated Press All-Pro Team after topping the league with 17.5 sacks. He also was a Pro Bowl selection for the fourth consecutive season.
The former Florida Atlantic player is slated to gain $16 million in cash. Hendrickson is pursuing a long-term extension with guaranteed money that proceeds past the initial year. The team recently presented a proposal with the expectation of trying to get Hendrickson on board this season.
If the two parties can get the matter resolved, the Bengals will ultimately have their complete set of players for the first time since the 2024 season concluded.
Hendrickson skipped all of the team’s offseason practices due to the contract situation. Rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart, the team’s first-round pick in April’s draft, signed his rookie contract on Saturday, ending a dispute with the team that had lasted for months.
