Trey Hendrickson contract: Why Bengals star says he won’t play in 2025

The contract dispute between Trey Hendrickson and the Cincinnati Bengals just got even messier.

The defensive end arrived at a voluntary Bengals offseason workout in street clothes on Tuesday and spoke to the media about his current contract situation, saying he will not play in 2025 without a new deal.

Hendrickson is entering the final year of a three-year contract with the team and is seeking a long-term extension. He has expressed his frustration with what he calls a "lack of communication" in negotiations. 

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The Bengals have already signed two players to massive contracts this offseason, inking wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to long-term deals. Hendrickson believes he is next in line, and now says he is not going to play until he gets a new deal.

Here's a look at the contract dispute between Trey Hendrickson and the Bengals.  

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Trey Hendrickson contract

On Tuesday, Hendrickson stated that he will not play in 2025 if he does not receive a new deal, but that he wants to return to Cincinnati.

Trey Hendrickson: Every relationship is repairable. Look at Myles Garrett. This is the uncomfortable part of the business side.

“I don’t harbor animosity.”

Says Zac Taylor sent him a text that he would be fined if he didn’t show up to upcoming mandatory camp. pic.twitter.com/4L1cAJytNT

— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) May 13, 2025

Hendrickson and the Bengals have been engaged in a contract dispute since the 2024 season ended. He believes his play over the life of his current contract warrants a new deal that's more consistent with the top end of the NFL's market for defensive ends. The Bengals have not budged.

Hendrickson has repeatedly expressed his frustrations with the Bengals this offseason. On Monday, he released a statement to ESPN claiming he and the team have not communicated since the NFL Draft. 

Trey Hendrickson statement today to ESPN: “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… pic.twitter.com/2MKBL60ATg

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 12, 2025

Trey Hendrickson stats

Hendrickson has been one of Cincinnati's best defensive players over the last two seasons, racking up 35 sacks in that span. He has been named to the Pro Bowl in each of his last four seasons. Here's a look at Trey Hendrickson's career stats.