The Trey Hendrickson contract saga with the Bengals may lastly be near the end line.
Bengals proprietor Mike Brown spoke to the media Monday concerning the ongoing contract drama between the crew and its All-Professional edge rusher on the eve of necessary coaching camp.
“We are going to get it executed sooner or later, I feel,” Brown told reporters. “I feel we're in a great spot. I hope this thing comes together quickly.”
Hendrickson is at present beneath a one-year, $15.8 million contract — a lot to his displeasure.
The 30-year-old led the NFL final season with 17.5 sacks, was named First Workforce All-Professional and was second in Defensive Participant of the Yr voting, solely behind Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II.
Hendrickson has had no less than 13.5 sacks in 4 of his final 5 seasons and has made the Professional Bowl for 4 straight seasons.
The All-Professional edge rusher has been outspoken about his want for a brand new contract, and Steelers edge rusher TJ Watt's record-breaking three-year, $123 million extension final week actually added gasoline to Hendrickson's fireplace.
Hendrickson has criticized the Bengals' lack of communication, expressed unwillingness to play beneath his present deal and skipped voluntary exercises. His choice to overlook necessary minicamp in June resulted in fines totaling greater than $100,000.
However as badly as Hendrickson desires his new contract, Brown want to retain the celebrity.
“We aren't going to commerce Trey. We're engaged on getting it executed,” he said.
Clearly, one aspect must budge.
“We've been by way of just a few — and he pushes laborious, he will get emotional,” Brown mentioned of the negotiations with Hendrickson. “We by no means have a simple time of it. And if there's one factor that's constant, it at all times will get executed. I feel this one will too.”
Whereas Cincinnati has awarded long-term offers to quarterback Joe Burrow and huge receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the contract disputes with defenders look like changing into a theme.
Bengals draft choose and fellow defensive finish Shemar Stewart is the one first-rounder nonetheless unsigned for the reason that 2025 NFL Draft in April.
“He must be right here. I might encourage him to be right here,” Bengals executive Duke Tobin said. “He's listening to the recommendation he's paying for (from his brokers). I don't perceive the recommendation … We're treating him pretty.”
