Trey Hendrickson is latest Bengals star to get paid; now they have to win

CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals can now check off the last task on their offseason agenda.

Extend Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Resolve Trey Hendrickson’s contract situation.

Check, check and check.

Five months following the Bengals’ contract extensions for their star wideouts, the team finalized a deal with its All-Pro pass rusher. Hendrickson and the Bengals settled on a new contract, announced by the team on Monday, setting him up to take the field this season.

However, despite the tension surrounding Hendrickson’s contract, which involved a hold-in throughout training camp, that was the straightforward part. The true challenge now arises: maximizing a prime championship opportunity and ensuring Cincinnati doesn’t squander another year of quarterback Joe Burrow’s tenure.

The Bengals are coming off two consecutive seasons without qualifying for the playoffs even though Burrow, Chase, and Hendrickson had the most successful seasons of their careers in 2024. By resolving Hendrickson’s contract issue just 13 days ahead of the regular season kickoff, both parties avoid wasting precious time preparing for the impending season.

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«It appears they’re advocating for a shorter contract,» Hendrickson mentioned on May 13.

And indeed, that’s how it unfolded. Yet, the agreement’s framework ultimately benefits both parties. Hendrickson retains the chance to become a free agent next season upon the contract’s expiration, while the Bengals gain the advantage of keeping one of the league’s premier edge rushers.

Last season, Hendrickson recorded the third-highest pressure percentage at 14.6%, according to ESPN Research. He also generated 26 sacks, with the next closest player in that statistic being Houston’s Danielle Hunter at 14.5, as per ESPN Research.

Throughout Hendrickson’s contract journey, everyone within Cincinnati’s organization recognized the significant impact he has on the team, including Burrow.

«He’s one of the most extraordinary individuals I’ve ever encountered, and I appreciate that quality in him,» Burrow expressed in May. «I believe that uniqueness contributes to his success as a player. He brings a distinct energy that I always look forward to seeing.»

Back in 2022, Burrow expressed his belief that his championship window would span his entire career. However, a wrist injury ending his season in 2023 was followed by the disappointment of 2024.

Now, with less than two weeks remaining before the 2025 season commences, Burrow and the Bengals welcome back their top defensive asset. The stars of Cincinnati are acutely aware of the implications surrounding a roster of this quality.

«We can’t linger on our achievements in 2021 and 2022,» Chase conveyed to ESPN in July, alluding to the team’s two AFC Championship Game appearances and Super Bowl appearance following the 2021 season. «We need to demonstrate our capabilities once again and prove ourselves.»