Trey Hendrickson, Bengals Reportedly Agree on Contract Length, AAV amid Trade Rumors

The Cincinnati Bengals and pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson at least agree on some aspects of his contract negotiations with his future still very much up in the air as the 2025 season approaches.

Hendrickson spoke to ESPN's Laura Rutledge during the broadcast of Monday's preseason game against the Washington Commanders (h/t ESPN's Ben Baby) and said he and the team are in agreement on the length of a new deal and the average annual salary.

However, there has not been any significant progress because they do not agree on the issue of guaranteed money.

Baby noted the Bengals have a "stance on not providing secured salary after the first season" that has created such a "standstill" as Hendrickson continues to not practice with the team.

The latest update comes after NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Sunday that Cincinnati was "listening to trade offers" regarding the veteran. Dianna Russini of The Athletic then reported Monday it is asking for a 2026 first-round draft pick and a young defensive player in any deal.

The young defensive player does not have to be a pass-rusher, though, which could increase the options.

Pelissero reported the AFC North team previously rejected a deal that included a second-round pick.

The guaranteed money impasse is notable since fellow pass-rushers Maxx Crosby, Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt all signed extensions this offseason with three years of guaranteed money. Hendrickson is surely looking for something similar, especially since he has been among the most effective pass-rushers in the league in recent seasons.

He led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024 as he made his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl. He also finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting.

While the Bengals are surely hesitant to give him a number of guaranteed years since he will turn 31 this season, he has remained productive as his career progresses. His durability also stands out after appearing in every game in each of the last two seasons.

Cincinnati starts its season on Sept. 7 against the Cleveland Browns, so it is running out of time to get something done with Hendrickson if he is going to be on the field for the AFC North clash.