The Trey Hendrickson and Cincinnati Bengals saga drags on. The star defensive end refuses to play in the final year of his contract, while the Bengals have been intransigent about bending to his demands for significant guarantees.
What’s Holding Up a Deal Between the Bengals and Trey Hendrickson?
ESPN’s Laura Rutledge spoke with Hendrickson before Monday night’s game with the Washington Commanders, and it all comes to guaranteed money.
The dragged-out negotiations and trade talks have fans up in arms. Hendrickson is the Bengals’ most valuable defensive player, and fans are howling for the Bengals to pay the man.
Hendrickson is coming off his best season. In 2024, he led the NFL with 17.5 total sacks. Hendrickson ended his holdout on July 30 and reported to training camp. He has not practiced with the Bengals.
What Are the Fans Saying About Hendrickson’s Contract Situation?
One fan has a surprisingly pragmatic reaction to the report: “This Laura Rutledge sideline report on the Hendrickson situation indicates to me that a trade really isn’t forthcoming … (years/total dollars) has been agreed to, as reported elsewhere. Need to figure out the guarantees. I still maintain a detail ultimately gets done.”
This Laura Rutledge sideline report on the Hendrickson situation indicates to me that a trade really isn’t forthcoming.
She also reveals that Hendrickson confirmed that the deal framework (years/total dollars) has been agreed to, as reported elsewhere. Need to figure out the…
— Andre Perrotta (@andreperrotta13) August 19, 2025
Meanwhile, another addressed the team directly: “@Bengals what ever you guys do please don’t trade Trey Hendrickson. Yes we need him.”
@Bengals what ever you guys do please don’t trade Trey Hendrickson. Yes we need him
— Adam Sketch (@adam_sketch) August 19, 2025
One fan points out, “Trey Hendrickson said he’s agreed on money and years, it’s the guarantees. Would you sit out over a guarantee and give up 38 million? Makes no sense.”
Trey Hendrickson said he’s agreed on money and years, it’s the guarantees. Would you sit out over a guarantee and give up 38 million? Makes no sense
— Cat Scratch Fever (@Javaman22) August 19, 2025
Another fan showed a sense of urgency during the game, saying, “What in the world are you waiting on to make it right for Hendrickson?”
What in the world are you waiting on to make it right for Hendrickson
— -A- (@AMMams4) August 19, 2025
Still, another fan is confident that, “rey Hendrickson is staying. #BossCalls.”
Trey Hendrickson is staying. #BossCalls pic.twitter.com/4ebDJn6EDg
— 𝟮𝟯 (@pul1s1ck) August 19, 2025
As the game progresses, someone predicts, “If the Bengals don’t sign Trey Hendrickson that defense gone suffer.”
If the Bengals don’t sign Trey Hendrickson that defense gone suffer
— NaiyaE (@SportsTalkGirll) August 19, 2025
Another fan makes the case that Hendrickson clearly wants to be there because, “Trey Hendrickson traveled and is with the team. He is even wearing all Bengals gear. Pay the man. My goodness.”
Trey Hendrickson traveled and is with the team. He is even wearing all Bengals gear.
Pay the man. My goodness.
— Patrick Carey (@PatCareySports) August 19, 2025
While another fan states what he thinks is obvious: “Give Trey Hendrickson his guaranteed money man wtf.”
Give Trey Hendrickson his guaranteed money man wtf
— Who Dey (@AndreBengals) August 19, 2025
Meanwhile, another post points out a harsh reality: “The Commanders are averaging 16.9 yards per play. Paging Trey Hendrickson …”
The Commanders are averaging 16.9 yards per play.
Paging Trey Hendrickson …
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) August 19, 2025
And finally, some makes a salient observation: “Man, the Bengals’ offense is going to have to average 45 points a game just to make the playoffs! I’ve never seen such horrible defense – except maybe last year in Cincinnati.”
Man, the Bengals’ offense is going to have to average 45 points a game just to make the playoffs! I’ve never seen such horrible defense – except maybe last year in Cincinnati.
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) August 19, 2025
“Recognition’s not something I’m chasing,” Hendrickson said amid all this on July 30. “It’s not. I think I’ve made my statements clear. Security is something that I value and [telling] my wife where we’re going to play. Those are the things that matter to me.”
The Bengals have a big decision to make, and their fans are growing louder by the minute. Now, it’s up to them whether or not to commit to their best pass rusher.
