The Cincinnati Bengals future with Trey Hendrickson is far from solidified. He may have posted the song “Back in the Saddle“, but a line has been drawn in the sand. Ultimately, both sides came to agreement on a $30 million 2025 salary.
With Hendrickson set to become a free agent in 2026, fans have been divided on the entire situation. It’s one the Bengals front office didn’t handle gracefully as they likely ruined their reputation with one of the top EDGE rushers in all of football.
On One Side, Bengals Fans Can Breathe Again With Trey Hendrickson’s $30M Deal
After recording 17.5 sacks in each of the last two seasons, Hendrickson made it very clear he wasn’t going to pay on his current contract. Cincinnati went out and doubled what the 30-year-old was set to make for the 2025 season.
Hendrickson held out of practice and didn’t participate in any of the team’s preseason games. Now that the drama is over, Bengals fans are able to breathe again.
“Well deserved if you ask me,” one fan wrote. Someone else chimed in, “$14M raise for one year? Bengals just bought a short-term subscription to chaos. Hendrickson = immediate upgrade to the pass rush — more sacks, less time for QBs, happier Joe Burrow. Prove-it deal with big upside. Win-now energy.”
Big win for the Bengals‘ defense,” someone said. “Locking in Hendrickson with that raise keeps their pash rush steady.”
One individual commented, “That’s a solid move for both Hendrickson and the Bengals. He’s definitely earned that raise!” With the raise, Hendrickson is set to be the 6th highest paid EDGE rusher in the league, according to Adam Schefter.
On the Other Side, Bengals Fans Can’t Believe All That Time Was Wasted for This Outcome
Fans of all teams came together to share their opinion on Cincinnati’s defense, “Bengals gonna have the 29th best defense now.” It’s clear the Bengals defense has a lot of work to do, but keeping Hendrickson, even just for 2025, is a step in the right direction.
“All that for a one year deal?” this fan questioned. No matter the outcome of 2025, the Bengals will likely have to re-do this entire situation going into next season. Negations will take place during the season, but it may be too little too late for the 2024 First-team All-Pro.
Someone else commented, “A one year deal… the Bengals have one of the worst front offices in the league nearly as bad as the Browns’ front office.” With the way the team handled their first round pick, Shemar Stewart, it’s no secret that Cincinnati’s front office has done themselves no favors this offseason.
“Dude is 100% leaving next season,” one fan wrote. “This can’t be good for the locker room, in my opinion.” Another individual spoke about the issue, “Horrible idea by Trey, been underpaid for a few years now.”
Schefter’s list sees Hendrickson paid less than the likes of Nick Bosa, Maxx Crosby, Danielle Hunter, Myles Garrett, and T.J. Watt (in that order). At $30M per year, he’s set to make $11M less than Watt who tops the list at $41M per year.
Bengals Fans Divided as Team Comes to Short-Term Agreement with Trey Hendrickson