Hendrickson extension stalled

An examination of why the Hendrickson extension is stalled and what could come next for the Bengals

Hendrickson extension tests Bengals patience

Negotiations over Trey Hendrickson's next contract have stretched into the preseason, with the edge rusher seeking more guarantees and the Bengals signaling caution on long term commitments. The team structured the 2023 extension to add one year of control while leaving most guarantees in the first year, a move that gave Cincinnati cap predictability but limited flexibility for a player who has outplayed his deal. Reports indicate both sides are closer on length and total value but still far apart on guarantees, a familiar pattern in NFL talks around aging edge players.

Analysts note that the edge market has surged since 2021, with top players getting big annual values and substantial guarantees. The Bengals face a familiar tension between competing for a playoff run and guarding the future payroll. A true trade would require a steep package and new money for Hendrickson, something many teams may balk at as games near Week 1. Even if an extension lands, it could include guarantees skewed toward the early years and more club options later to stay flexible.

This situation shows a broader trend in the league: teams want peak value from aging stars while avoiding heavy guarantees. The Hendrickson case tests Cincinnati's willingness to invest in a premium pass rusher while still building a complete defense. The decision will ripple through the Bengals' cap strategy and possibly influence how other teams handle extensions for players in their early 30s.

If Cincinnati wants to preserve run defense and still rush the passer, the trade route or a structured extension with guardrails on guarantees could be the path forward. The piece notes that the market has moved and that comparisons to players like Watt or Crosby set a high bar. Whatever the final deal, the outcome will define how much weight the Bengals place on a single player in a league built on collective effort and evolving schemes.

Highlights

The next move will redefine how a defense builds around a premium edge rusher