'Actions speak louder than words' — Trey Hendrickson continues speaking his truth when discussing contract situation with Bengals
The ball is already the Cincinnati Bengals' hands when it comes to Trey Hendrickson's future. Hendrickson made it clear earlier this month he wants to be extended by the team this offseason, or traded away if that doesn't happen. Hendrickson reaffirmed all of that while providing a glimpse of hope when asked how far he'd be […]
The ball is already the Cincinnati Bengals' hands when it comes to Trey Hendrickson's future. Hendrickson made it clear earlier this month he wants to be extended by the team this offseason, or traded away if that doesn't happen.
Hendrickson reaffirmed all of that while providing a glimpse of hope when asked how far he'd be willing to stand on business on the Ross Tucker Podcast.
"Ideally it doesn't get to that, because, like, I really don't want to be a distraction for the team," Hendrickson said. "We've had multiple good conversations, you know, it's just actions speak louder than words, you know. And that's how I play my game as well, even though I am a trash-talker."
The hope of it all involves the "multiple good conversations." The Bengals reportedly planned on meeting with Hendrickson's representation after the Super Bowl to discuss the 2024 All-Pro pass rusher's future with the club. No deal has been reached as of yet, but any talks that happen prior to free agency are a positive sign.
Hendrickson has already agreed to two different contracts the Bengals have offered him. His original four-year contract was extended by another year in 2023. Conversations between both sides have netted positive results before, and Hendrickson relayed the club's history of taking care of him and his family.
All that matters now is making sure it happens again in a timely manner this year.
"I love Cincinnati," Hendrickson said. "My wife got her residency at the VA hospital there. My son was born there. I've had my most productive years in the National Football League there. They give me a tremendous opportunity to represent them at the Pro Bowl. And now an All Pro. I love it. I love it there. I love the coaching staffs that I've made relationships with, whether they're in the building or not. And, you know, moving forward, I would like to remain a Bengal.
"It's just some things in life, like long-term security, being able to tell my wife where we're going to raise our son, and not have to worry about playing a violent sport and shifting of where we're going," Hendrickson said. "That would be ideal but again, I want to help them win a Super Bowl and however, that looks if they have plans to move me or keep me. That's up to them."
Hendrickson's messaging has been pretty consistent. He appears to be dealing in good faith and has certainly earned what he's after. Cincinnati has never had a more successful free agent signing in franchise history, and there's no reason to believe he'll be slowing down within the next year or two.
Yes, he'd be worth a lot to trade for, but extending him for a couple more years would be even more valuable for the team. His goal and the team's goal should be aligned.
The more Hendrickson speaks on the subject, the more pressure is on the Bengals to get it done.
Way-too-early 2026 NFL Mock Draft shows how the Bengals can help out Trey Hendrickson after extending his contract
The Bengals will likely still need pass rushers next year.
