The status of Trey Hendrickson’s $114 million contract with the Bengals, prior to the season opener against the Browns, was reported by The Sporting News.
If Trey Hendrickson hopes to participate in Week 1, the Cincinnati Bengals are rapidly approaching a deadline.
The Bengals’ season begins on Sunday, September 7, against the Cleveland Browns. That’s less than two weeks away, and Hendrickson is still without a contract extension (or a trade).
Hendrickson has stated clearly that he is unwilling to play this season for the $16 million remaining on his current contract.
This sentiment is understandable, given Hendrickson’s consecutive seasons with 17.5 sacks. Considering that Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt have both surpassed the $40 million per year mark this offseason, Hendrickson seems significantly undercompensated.
ESPN’s Ben Solak provided a thorough analysis in an extensive article published Monday morning. He details the circumstances that led to this point and the potential future direction.
Ultimately, Solak offers a prediction:
“The Bengals will announce a three-year extension with Hendrickson, valued at $38 million annually with over $60 million in new guarantees, on September 3.”
This amounts to a total potential value of $114 million.
Solak’s specified date is the Wednesday preceding Week 1. Should the Bengals and Hendrickson reach a contract agreement by then, he would likely be able to play at least a portion of the snaps in the opening game against Cleveland.
The Bengals’ defense was their vulnerability last season, and losing Hendrickson is a risk they likely cannot afford if they are serious about pursuing a Super Bowl victory.
This resolution would likely be favorable for all parties involved. However, will the Bengals and Hendrickson actually achieve this compromise? Further developments are awaited.
