Trey Hendrickson Won’t Play For Bengals Under Current $15M Contract: ‘It’s About Respect’

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson has told the team that he won’t play under his current contract, leaving the relationship open-ended.

Whether Hendrickson continues to play in a Bengals uniform is up to Cincinnati’s front office.

Hendrickson, 30, is set to earn $15.8 million this season in the final year of his contract. The four-time Pro Bowler is coming off of back-to-back 17.5 sack seasons and accounted for about half of the Bengals’ sacks last season.

Hendrickson spoke to the media on Tuesday for 25 minutes about his situation. He revealed his disappointment with the team’s communication and contract situation.

“I think both parties should understand a long-term contract with guarantees that know that I can continue to play at the level that I have been,” Hendrickson said. “It’s a mutual respect. That’s where my values lie.”

In comparison to other top edge rushers in the league, Hendrickson is making considerably less than his apparent value.

Myles Garrett is the highest-paid edge rusher in the league, making $40 million per year. Danielle Hunter and Maxx Crosby both make just over $35 million per season.

Over the past two seasons, Hendrickson has more sacks than all three of those players.

If the Bengals don’t sign Hendrickson to a new contract, there will be a trade market for him. After signing Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins in the offseason, the Bengals could decide there isn’t enough room for Hendrickson.