**Trey Hendrickson’s Absence from Bengals Training Camp: A Contract Dispute with Major Implications**
The Cincinnati Bengals officially opened their 2024 training camp with high hopes and lofty expectations, but one key player was notably absent: defensive end Trey Hendrickson. The veteran pass rusher, who has been a cornerstone of the Bengals’ defense since joining the team in 2021, is reportedly sitting out due to an unresolved contract dispute with the organization. His absence casts a shadow over what should be an optimistic start to the season, raising questions about the team’s ability to maintain its defensive dominance and whether a resolution can be reached before the situation escalates further.
Hendrickson’s impact on the Bengals cannot be overstated. Since arriving in Cincinnati as a free agent after a productive stint with the New Orleans Saints, he has been one of the most consistent and disruptive edge rushers in the NFL. Over the past three seasons, he has amassed 39.5 sacks, including a career-high 17.5 in 2023, earning Pro Bowl honors in each of his years with the team. His ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks has been instrumental in transforming the Bengals’ defense from a liability into a formidable unit, helping the team reach the Super Bowl in the 2021 season and remaining a playoff contender since.
Given his production, it’s no surprise that Hendrickson is seeking a revised contract. At 29 years old, he is in the prime of his career and understands that his window to maximize his earnings is narrowing. Currently, he is set to earn $15 million in 2024, which ranks him outside the top 10 among edge rushers in annual salary. Players of his caliber—such as Nick Bosa, Myles Garrett, and T.J. Watt—are making upwards of $25-30 million per year, and Hendrickson’s camp likely believes he deserves to be compensated closer to that tier. His absence from training camp is a clear signal that he is willing to leverage his importance to the team in pursuit of a more lucrative deal.
The Bengals, however, find themselves in a tricky financial position. The team has already committed massive resources to quarterback Joe Burrow, who signed a record-setting $275 million extension last offseason, and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is due for a mega-extension soon. With other key players like Tee Higgins also seeking new contracts, the front office must carefully manage the salary cap to avoid long-term financial strain. While Hendrickson’s demand for a raise is justified based on performance, the Bengals may be hesitant to reset the market for a player who will be 30 by the end of the upcoming season, especially given the physical demands of his position and the natural decline that often comes with age.
This standoff is not uncommon in the NFL, where contract disputes frequently arise when players outperform their current deals. However, the timing is far from ideal for the Bengals. Training camp is a critical period for teams to build chemistry, install new schemes, and prepare for the grueling regular season. Hendrickson’s absence means missed reps for both him and the defensive line as a whole, potentially slowing the unit’s development. Additionally, his leadership will be missed—younger players like Myles Murphy and Joseph Ossai rely on his experience and work ethic to elevate their own games.
If the impasse drags on, the situation could become even more problematic. While Hendrickson is unlikely to hold out into the regular season—given the financial penalties and lost game checks that would incur—prolonged absences in training camp can lead to rust, injuries, or even resentment within the locker room. The Bengals cannot afford a distracted or divided team, especially in a highly competitive AFC North where every game matters.
The ideal resolution, of course, is a compromise that satisfies both sides. The Bengals could offer Hendrickson a short-term extension with additional guaranteed money, bumping his annual salary into the $20-22 million range while keeping the long-term cap implications manageable. Alternatively, they could include performance-based incentives that allow him to earn more without drastically altering the team’s financial structure. Such a deal would acknowledge his value while giving the Bengals flexibility to address other roster needs.
If no agreement is reached, the Bengals may have to consider trade possibilities, though that would be a last resort. Hendrickson is too important to the defense to simply let go, and finding a replacement of his caliber midseason would be nearly impossible. The team’s best path forward is to negotiate in good faith and find a middle ground before the situation becomes a full-blown distraction.
For now, all eyes remain on how the Bengals’ front office handles this delicate situation. Trey Hendrickson’s absence is a stark reminder of the business side of football, where even the most successful partnerships can hit rough patches over money. The Bengals’ championship aspirations may hinge on their ability to keep their star pass rusher happy and on the field. If they fail to do so, their defense—and their season—could suffer the consequences.
