Trey Hendrickson Details 'Frustrating' Bengals Contract Talks amid NFL Trade Rumors

Trey Hendrickson's future with the Cincinnati Bengals remains up in the air this offseason amid rumors surrounding a new contract or a potential trade, and the pass-rusher opened up about how the process has been "frustrating."

Hendrickson appeared on Wednesday's episode of The Pat McAfee Show and responded to comments from Bengals executive vice president Katie Blackburn suggesting the next step is now up to the player.

"That was a little disappointing because communication has been poor over the last couple months," Hendrickson said. "That's something I hold in high regard, and they have not communicated with my agent directly. It's been something that's a little bit frustrating, but, again, this is the business of it."

The 30-year-old has one more season remaining on his contract, and the Bengals gave him permission to seek a trade earlier this offseason.

That was before the AFC North team came to terms on new contracts for wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, which means there may be even more uncertainty with Hendrickson at this point. 

After all, another extension with another star player would mean an even bigger financial commitment to the roster this offseason.

"I think he should be happy at certain rates that maybe he doesn't think he'd be happy at," Blackburn told reporters when discussing Hendrickson. "I think some of it is on him to be happy at some point, and if he's not, you know, that's what holds it up sometimes. So, you know, it takes him to say yes to something, and also, we have all the respect in the world for him. He's been a great player. We're happy to have him. And so maybe we'll find a way to get something to work. We're just gonna see where it goes."

Those are the comments Hendrickson responded to, and he provided further context saying the communication has been "here and there." 

He also said: "We don't have any desire of being the highest-paid or first in line. We try to be as patient as possible."

Patience is one thing, but Hendrickson may have even a bit more leverage than he did at the beginning of the offseason since fellow pass-rusher Sam Hubbard has now retired. Cincinnati's defense was among the worst in the league last season and could take yet another step back if Hendrickson isn't in the fold.

After all, he led the league with 17.5 sacks in 2024 while reaching his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl in four years with the Bengals.

Cincinnati figures to have an explosive offense with Joe Burrow continuing to throw the ball to Chase and Higgins, but it will struggle to compete with the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens and other AFC contenders if it doesn't take strides on the defensive side.

And keeping Hendrickson is one way it can do just that.