Trey Hendrickson Says Bengals Contract Talks Have 'Become Personal, Unfortunately'

The contract impasse between the Cincinnati Bengals and star defensive end Trey Hendrickson appears to have gone from bad to worse.

Per Charlie Goldsmith of Cincinnati Magazine, Hendrickson revealed on Tuesday that contract negotiations with the Bengals have "become personal, unfortunately."

Hendrickson was speaking to reporters during an ongoing practice on Tuesday. He chose to attend Bengals OTAs but will not participate in practice until his contract situation is resolved. However, new developments make it seem like a resolution is far from likely.

"A little transpired between me and [Bengals head coach Zac Taylor]," Hendrickson told reporters. "We’ve tried to keep it as little personal as possible. At some point, it becomes personal."

Hendrickson, who is set to make $16 million in the final year of his contract, added that he was informed he would be fined if he skipped Cincinnati's mandatory minicamp next month.

After leading the NFL with 17.5 sacks last season, Hendrickson feels he's done enough to earn a long-term extension. However, he told reporters that the Bengals have been pushing for a shorter deal "pretty hard." He added that he feels a long-term contract is "a sign of mutual respect" and didn't answer directly when asked if he'd play in 2025 without a new deal, though he said, "I’m very disappointed with the communication."

The Bengals used the No. 17 pick in last month's NFL draft to select Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart, potentially preparing for life without Hendrickson. The 30-year-old told reporters, "Circumstances changed post-draft. They’re starting to change very openly."

Hendrickson appears to be entrenched in his stance that he deserves a new deal, and it's unlikely that he will be on the field until he gets one.