Done and Sealed: Bengals Sign Trey Hendrickson to $71.5M Extension
After sitting out minicamp and expressing dissatisfaction with his current contract, Trey Hendrickson has secured the long-term deal he was aiming for. The Cincinnati Bengals and their standout defensive end have agreed to a three-year, $71.5 million contract extension, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The deal reportedly includes about $36 million in guaranteed money.
Hendrickson, 30, was entering the final year of his current contract, which was set to pay him a base salary of $15.8 million in 2025. Not content to play under that structure, Hendrickson skipped the Bengals’ mandatory minicamp last week in a move that signaled tension between him and the front office. That absence, however, may have helped jump-start stalled negotiations.
Since arriving in Cincinnati in 2021, Hendrickson has become a dominant force on the Bengals’ defense. He’s racked up 39.5 sacks over his first three seasons with the team, including 17.5 in 2023—tying a career high and placing him among the league’s most productive edge rushers. His relentless motor and disruptive presence have made him a cornerstone of the Bengals’ front seven.
By finalizing this extension, Cincinnati locks up one of its most valuable defensive players through the 2028 season. Hendrickson’s presence ensures that the team retains a proven pass rusher as it continues to build around franchise quarterback Joe Burrow and a young, talented core.
Though the contract’s average annual value is less than some of the league’s highest-paid pass rushers, the deal still marks a significant commitment and reaffirms Hendrickson’s importance to the Bengals’ long-term plans. The $36 million in guarantees provides the kind of financial security Hendrickson had been seeking, while giving the Bengals some flexibility as they manage other key contract decisions across the roster.
This agreement comes at a crucial time for the Bengals, who are in the thick of their Super Bowl window and can’t afford unnecessary distractions. With Hendrickson back in the fold and expected to return for training camp, the team can shift its full focus to the 2025 season with its defensive leader in place.
The extension also quells any speculation about Hendrickson’s future. While he had previously hinted at the possibility of early retirement, his insistence on a long-term extension—and now signing one—shows he’s fully committed to continuing his career in Cincinnati.
For both Hendrickson and the Bengals, this deal represents a win. Hendrickson gets long-term security and recognition for his elite production, while the team ensures continuity and stability on a defense that’s expected to be a key part of its championship aspirations.
Done and sealed, indeed—the Bengals just locked in one of their fiercest defenders for the long haul.
