Hendrickson open to taking less in Bengals contract talks

Edge rusher Trey Hendrickson reveals his readiness to compromise in contract talks with the Bengals.

Trey Hendrickson expresses willingness to negotiate with Bengals

Bengals owner Mike Brown shared a hopeful perspective regarding negotiations with star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. However, the situation appears tense, as Hendrickson recently revealed he is currently training in Florida instead of Ohio, amid dissatisfaction with Cincinnati's contract offers. Reports indicate that Hendrickson is seeking a deal that includes more guaranteed money beyond one year, which he did not receive in recent proposals. Hendrickson expressed, "I was more than willing to take less in some ways in order to make this work," signaling his desire to stay with the team. With a base salary of $15.8 million forthcoming and a salary cap hit much lower than his peers, Hendrickson is pushing for a deal that reflects his performance over the last two seasons, where he recorded impressive stats, including league-leading sacks.

Hendrickson's contract talks highlight a wider trend in the NFL, where players increasingly seek guaranteed deals. With top edge rushers now earning upwards of $40 million annually, Hendrickson’s current salary pales in comparison. This situation reflects the tension between player expectations and team budget realities, especially as training camp approaches. By publicly discussing his willingness to compromise, Hendrickson attempts to create goodwill, though it also underscores his frustration. Whether his commitment can sway management remains unclear but is crucial as teams navigate these financial minefields while trying to remain competitive.

Highlights

This situation could influence how the Bengals address future contract discussions.