Cincinnati Bengals Quarterback Joe Burrow is not shy about standing up for his teammates when it is time for them to get paid. He did the same thing earlier today when it came to Defensive End Trey Hendrickson. Here is what Burrow had to say: “Trey Hendrickson’s a guy who deserves to get paid and get paid what he wants and what the market says he deserves.”
Hendrickson and the Cincinnati Bengals have been locked in a contract dispute this offseason, with the team granting the star defensive end permission to seek a trade back in March. Cincinnati reportedly had too high an asking price for Hendrickson, as he has remained in Cincinnati.
Hendrickson has not been shy about expressing his displeasure with the franchise and Head Coach Zac Taylor in recent weeks. Taylor reportedly texted the star player, saying that he would be fined if he did not show up for the team’s mandatory minicamp. Hendrickson, who said he will not play on his current contract, thought Taylor was out of line with his correspondence. Hendrickson thought it signaled the franchise’s intentions not to have an extension in hand before minicamp begins. The defensive player believes he is being mistreated by the franchise. Will the Cincinnati Bengals listen to Burrow and pay their best defensive player?
Cincinnati Bengals Season Outlook
The Bengals missed the NFL Playoffs for the second straight season in 2024 due to a horrible defense. Hendrickson is coming off another strong season. He was one of the few players on the team’s defense who played up to their potential.
It has been an expensive offseason for the Cincinnati Bengals. They signed wide receiver duo Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to massive contracts a few months ago. With the receivers locked up long-term, all the focus shifted to Hendrickson’s contract situation. Unfortunately for the Bengals, Hendrickson is not the only key defensive player with a contract issue. The No. 17 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Shemar Stewart, will reportedly not suit up for the team either until there is a change in the language of his rookie contract.
Final Thoughts
The Cincinnati Bengals are habitually slow starters. Their pending contract issues will not quiet those concerns. The Bengals, whether they like it or not, may have to pay Hendrickson what he is asking. It seems clear Hendrickson will not back down and play the 2025 season on his current contract.
