The Cincinnati Bengals haven’t gotten a deal done with Trey Hendrickson.
The superstar edge rusher has been quite vocal with his criticism of the front office, but they have yet to satisfy his demands with training camp imminent.
However, owner Mike Brown recently gave an optimistic outlook.
“I think it’ll get done,” he said, via Ben Baby.
Mike Brown on Trey Hendrickson’s potential new deal: “I think it’ll get done.”
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) July 21, 2025
This front office hasn’t done the best job of handling contract situations.
They’ve dragged things out and low-balled and infuriated stars, with several even asking for trades.
Hendrickson is coming off the best season of his career, leading the NFL in sacks and establishing himself as one of the top pass rushers in the game.
The Bengals’ defense was abysmal last season, and they can’t afford not to have a player of Hendrickson’s caliber.
They reportedly allowed him to speak to other teams to seek a trade earlier in the offseason, but they were never serious about moving on from him.
The Bengals don’t play in a big market, and they don’t have much of a winning history.
As such, their best shot at putting together a competitive team is through the NFL Draft.
If they treat their stars so poorly, it’s hard to believe anyone will be willing to sign with them in the future, not even if that also means teaming up with Joe Burrow.
They’re starting to reap what they sowed, with 2025 first-round pick Shemar Stewart refusing to sign his contract because of unprecedented clauses they’re trying to include in his rookie deal.
NEXT: Bengals Executive Speaks Out About Unsigned Rookie Defender
