Trey Hendrickson's future with Bengals remains uncertain

The Cincinnati Bengals may have a decision to make regarding the future of defensive end Trey Hendrickson. With one year left on his current contract, the Bengals will have to decide whether to extend his deal or risk losing him to free agency.

Hendrickson, 30, had a career year in 2024, leading the league with 17.5 sacks and earning All-Pro and Pro Bowl nods. He was also second in the league in pass rush win rate and quarterback hits.

However, his contract value doesn't reflect his production. According to Roster Management System, Hendrickson ranks 11th among edge rushers in average annual salary. The Bengals have been reluctant to give aging players big contracts in recent years, but last season provided examples of players who still produced in their 30s.

The Bengals have other factors to consider as well. They will have potential contract extensions for wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase and wide receiver Tee Higgins to consider, and they are currently projected to have $53 million in cap space for 2025.

Cincinnati could also free up cap space by shedding expensive veteran contracts for underperforming players. However, Hendrickson is one of the hardest-working players in the locker room and someone who the young defensive linemen look to emulate.

The Bengals know exactly the type of player they will be getting if they invest in Hendrickson. He has been a consistent producer since joining the team in 2021 and has been a key part of the defense.

It remains to be seen what the Bengals will do, but they will have to make a decision soon. If they don't extend Hendrickson's contract, they could be at risk of losing him to free agency after the 2025 season.

Trey Hendrickson's 2024 season

Trey Hendrickson had a monster season in 2024, leading the league in sacks with 17.5. He was also second in the league in pass rush win rate and quarterback hits.

Hendrickson's 17.5 sacks were the most by a Bengals player since 2015, when Carlos Dunlap had 13.5. His 36 quarterback hits were also the most by a Bengals player since 2015.

The 30-year-old Hendrickson has been a consistent producer since joining the Bengals in 2021. He has 44 sacks in four seasons with the team, including 13.5 in 2023.

Hendrickson's production has earned him two Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro nod in 2024.

Trey Hendrickson's contract situation

Trey Hendrickson is entering the final year of his current contract, which will pay him $16 million in 2025. The Bengals have the option to extend his contract before the start of the 2025 season, but they have not yet made a decision.

If the Bengals do not extend Hendrickson's contract, he will become a free agent after the 2025 season. The Bengals could then try to re-sign him, but they would likely have to offer him a more lucrative contract than he is currently making.

The Bengals have been hesitant to give big contracts to aging players in recent years, but they may be willing to make an exception for Hendrickson. He is one of the best pass rushers in the league and has been a key part of the Bengals' defense for the past four seasons.

The Bengals' salary cap situation

The Bengals are currently projected to have $53 million in cap space for 2025, according to Roster Management System. That amount will likely increase as the team cuts or restructures contracts for underperforming players.

The Bengals could use some of that cap space to extend Hendrickson's contract, but they will also have to consider other potential contract extensions, such as wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase and wide receiver Tee Higgins.

The Bengals will also need to fill out the rest of their roster with quality players, which could eat into their cap space.

Conclusion

The Bengals have a decision to make regarding the future of Trey Hendrickson. They could extend his contract before the start of the 2025 season, or they could risk losing him to free agency after the season.

The Bengals will have to weigh the pros and cons of extending Hendrickson's contract, but they will likely want to keep him in Cincinnati for the long term. He is one of the best pass rushers in the league and has been a key part of the Bengals' defense for the past four seasons.