Trey Hendrickson Says '2025 Bengals' Were Always the Priority During Contract Hold-In

Trey Hendrickson spent the 2025 offseason holding in from the Cincinnati Bengals as he looked for a new contract, but now he's back with the team after reaching an agreement that gives him a $14 million raise this season.

While Hendrickson had his best interest in mind while holding in, he said his focus was also on what was best for the team.

"The priority was always the 2025 Bengals, whatever this looked like," Hendrickson told reporters on Wednesday. "Unfortunately for me, I can't write my own contracts. That's something we had common ground in finding and that's what we're doing now, and that's what's best for the 2025 Bengals, I think, just to suit up and play. I'm incredibly humbled by the experience."

According to Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Hendrickson said on Wednesday that the Bengals did not offer him his one-year deal before he agreed to it on Monday. He added that he hadn't received an offer that "he would have seriously considered."

Early in the offseason, Hendrickson requested a trade as he searched for a new, long-term contract. That trade request came after a season in which Hendrickson led the NFL in sacks (17.5) and recorded career highs in tackles for loss (19) and quarterback hits (36).

Despite his status as one of the best pass rushers in the league, he wasn't exactly being paid like one, and top pass rushers like Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt landing long-term deals only meant Hendrickson was more underpaid.

Though Cincinnati held steady in not trading Hendrickson throughout the summer, the Bengals reportedly became open to moving Hendrickson earlier this month. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Aug. 17 that the team was "listening to trade offers" for Hendrickson.

Ultimately, the two sides were able to agree upon a deal, and the Bengals avoided having to deal away the star of their defense. Now, they can begin game planning with Hendrickson on the field rather than finding ways to manage without him.

While Hendrickson wasn't working out with the team this offseason, he said he was able to continue weightlifting and conditioning with his trainer, and he feels "ready to go" for the season ahead.

"This practice went well," he said. "Football's a tough sport and I'm looking forward to getting back in shape, but I'm ready to go."

The Bengals have missed back-to-back postseasons, and most of their struggles can be pinned on the defense. They still have work to do on the defensive side, but having one of the best pass rushers in the game on their team will help tremendously.