Bengals Star Trey Hendrickson Boycotts Training Camp Amid Contract Dispute

The Cincinnati Bengals are facing a contract standoff with their star defensive player, Trey Hendrickson, as the team's training camp gets underway. Hendrickson, who has been a dominant force for the Bengals over the past two seasons, has officially declared his intention to hold out of camp as negotiations over a contract extension have stalled.

Hendrickson, who recorded 17.5 sacks in each of the last two seasons and was named a first-team All-Pro in 2024, has been openly seeking a new deal since the end of the 2024 campaign. However, despite optimism expressed by the team's owner and director of player personnel earlier this week, the two sides have yet to reach an agreement.

According to former NFL player and current analyst Manti Te'o, Hendrickson has expressed frustration with the Bengals' contract offers, calling them "atrociously low" in terms of the guaranteed money being proposed. With Hendrickson owed $15.8 million in base salary for the 2025 season, the team's inability to lock him down long-term could have significant implications for their defensive plans.

The Bengals have invested heavily in their offensive core, with quarterback Joe Burrow, wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins all signed to lucrative deals. However, the team's success will hinge on the defense's ability to hold up its end of the bargain, making Hendrickson's situation a critical priority for the organization.