The Cincinnati Bengals were hoping for a normal offseason following a frustrating year that saw their star quarterback Joe Burrow miss a lot of time. However, shortly into the offseason, they were met with a trade request from star wide receiver Tee Higgins. To make matters worse, just a few days ago, right before the start of the 2024 NFL Draft, star defensive end Trey Hendrickson requested a trade over a contract dispute.
Breaking: I just spoke with Trey Hendrickson's agent, Harold Lewis, about Hendrickson's trade request.
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) April 24, 2024
Hendrickson is hopeful the Bengals reconsider and give him a long-term deal. If not, he wishes to be traded. Trey is also considered retirement. More to come @Enquirer
Not only did Hendrickson ask for a trade but he has threatened to retire over the contract dispute. Hendrickson has been one of the better pass rushers in the game over the last few years and he wants a long-term deal to stay in Cincinnati. However, the Bengals believe that they are content with his current contract.
Just last year, the two sides agreed to a contract extension to keep him in Cincinnati through the 2025 season. He is set to make $14.8 million in 2024 and $15.8 million in 2025 before he can hit free agency. But the star wants more of a long-term guarantee, something that the Bengals aren't likely to do.
While Hendrickson has been highly productive, he is 29-years-old. The Bengals tend to hold hard lines about giving out a lot of money to guys who are close to the wrong side of 20, hence their hesitation here. Last season, Hendrickson posted 43 total tackles and 17.5 sacks. His level of production does match those being paid the most amount across the league but the Bengals have no interest in trading him, despite the request. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor spoke on the matter, saying that Hendrickson would be in Cincinnati this coming year.
"You let Trey voice his concerns. I'm listening. I've got an open ear to him," Taylor said, via Jay Morrison of Pro Football Network. "I love Trey. I've told Trey that. We want Trey to play here next year for us. He's going to play here next year for us. He's going to have success, and we're going to have success, and I'm excited for that."
The Bengals are going for a Super Bowl title this year and Hendrickson is a big part of that. While he may not be happy with the decision, Hendrickson is a pro and will likely play out his contract. The two sides do enjoy each other so there is a chance that something will get worked out at some point. But for now, Cincinnati is holding a hard line in the sand and Hendrickson will have to deal with the original contract he agreed to sign.
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Matt Levine works as a contributing writer for Newsweek, covering multiple sports. He graduated in 2021 with a Master of ... Read more
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