The Cincinnati Bengals have a strong nucleus of stars returning in 2025. Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase are the leaders and centerpieces of the offense.
But, there is a big question regarding star defensive end Trey Hendrickson. The Bengals defensive stalwart was hoping for a new deal since his contract ends after the 2025 season.
As of now, no deal is in place, and reports swirled previously that Hendrickson would hold out until a new deal is agreed upon.
On Monday, Hendrickson gave a big update on the situation in a statement, via ESPN's Adam Schefter.
“No communication has taken place between my camp and the organization post draft. The offers prior to the draft did not reflect the vision we shared and were promised last offseason if I continued to play at a high level. Coaches are aware of these past conversations. Rather than using collaboration to get us to a point to bring me home to the team, THEY are no longer communicating. I have been eagerly awaiting a resolution of this situation, but that’s hard to do when there is no discussion and an evident lack of interest in reaching mutual goals.”
Hendrickson saying the Bengals are no longer communicating since the NFL Draft is not an encouraging sign whatsoever, so there could be some real issues regarding his playing status for the 2025 campaign.
Hendrickson has been a massive part of the Bengals' defense, totaling 17.5 sacks each of the past two seasons, so this would be a giant hole to fill if he does hold out.
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