Report: Bengals star contemplating drastic transfer amid contract dispute

Trey Hendrickson is seeking to turn into the subsequent star participant to land a profitable contract extension from the Cincinnati Bengals, and it appears like he’s prepared to go to excessive lengths to perform that aim.

The Bengals signed huge receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to four-year contract extensions on Sunday. Chase will make roughly $40M per yr with $112M assured. The annual wage makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL historical past. Higgins’ deal is value $115M, with the primary two years totally assured.

Hendrickson was given permission to hunt a commerce earlier this offseason, however the Bengals have reportedly had discussions together with his representatives about an extension. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler stated on “NFL Stay” Wednesday that the 2 sides aren’t near a deal, nonetheless.

Hendrickson is claimed to be looking for greater than $30M per yr. He desires to be traded if the Bengals aren’t prepared to offer him that a lot cash. The defensive finish additionally has not dominated out refusing to play subsequent season.

“I do know this: I’ve heard this from a number of circles. Typically you hear gamers say, properly like, I will simply sit out this yr, and it is posturing. I really assume he would strongly think about sitting out and presumably do it if they do not get a deal accomplished. As a result of $16M this yr is simply not fairly sufficient in comparison with the place it needs to be,” Fowler stated, by way of Dave Clark of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Hendrickson had 35 sacks over the previous two seasons. He had 17.5 sacks every season and completed second in NFL Defensive Participant of the 12 months voting this yr. He’s owed $15.8M in 2025, which is the ultimate yr of his contract.

You may perceive why Hendrickson desires to turn into one of many highest-paid cross rushers within the NFL, as his manufacturing backs it up. He has made the Professional Bowl in every of his 4 seasons with Cincinnati and has 57 sacks since he joined the crew.