Ben Child
CINCINNATI — For the primary time for the reason that finish of final season, Cincinnati Bengals defensive finish Trey Hendrickson was engaged on the crew's observe area.
Wednesday marked the primary time Hendrickson has participated since he signed a restructured contract that netted him a $13 million elevate that introduced his wage as much as $29 million for the ultimate 12 months of his present contract. Hendrickson may additionally earn an extra $1 million in incentives to deliver his complete wage as much as $30 million.
Earlier than the afternoon observe, Hendrickson missed all of coaching camp and offseason exercises whereas making an attempt to barter a possible contract extension.
Hendrickson suited up after receiving a giant pay bump in what's presently slated to be the ultimate 12 months of his contract with the crew. However after months of talks with the crew, Hendrickson was excited to be again.
“This compromise comes with a large amount of respect for me in direction of them,” he stated in entrance of his locker on Wednesday. “I am extremely honored and appreciative that I can play soccer at this stage.”
Earlier than the 2 sides agreed to a brand new deal on Monday, Hendrickson was slated to doubtlessly earn $16 million in money for the 2024 season. All through the offseason, he was adamant that he had no intention of enjoying on that deal. And on the eve of coaching camp, the Bengals' entrance workplace indicated they needed to present him a elevate.
The 2 sides have been at odds over the assured cash on the deal, together with it stretching previous the primary season of any new contract. Except for huge receiver Ja'Marr Chase, who netted a large $161 million extension this offseason, Cincinnati traditionally has not given veterans assured cash except for a signing bonus.
Hendrickson stated the choice that he agreed to wasn't beforehand supplied within the negotiation. When it was, he stated he was “extremely humbled by it.”
And it supplied an avenue for the Bengals and him to work one thing out forward of the season opener on Sept. 7 towards the Cleveland Browns.
“I wish to be part of one thing particular right here,” Hendrickson stated. “I've vocalized that fairly early and infrequently. Once more, I can not write my very own contracts. I believe we would all as gamers love to do this. There wasn't one which I noticed long run that I'd've thought of.”
Hendrickson, 30, is coming off the very best season of his profession. He led the NFL with 17.5 sacks, earned his first Related Press All-Professional choice and reached the Professional Bowl for the fourth straight season since signing with the Bengals throughout the 2021 free company.
All through his hold-in, which lasted the majority of coaching camp, Hendrickson watched and noticed drills.
“He is invested within the gamers round him,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor stated on Tuesday. “He is obtained quite a lot of data he desires to cross down.”
On Wednesday, Hendrickson transitioned again right into a enjoying function. When the crew wrapped up its stretching interval, he was the primary individual ready to undergo place drills with assistant coach Jerry Montgomery.
“Not that I did not take pleasure in teaching, however that is not what I am right here to do,” Hendrickson stated. “[I'm] trying ahead to getting after quarterbacks.”
