Cincinnati Bengals Defensive Star Trey Hendrickson Returns to Practice After Contract Adjustment

CINCINNATI — After some tense negotiations, All-Pro pass rusher Trey Hendrickson is back on the field for the Cincinnati Bengals. His return to practice on Wednesday comes after the Bengals’ front office agreed to a pay raise for the 2025 season, which ended his hold-in situation. Hendrickson, who led the NFL with an impressive 17 1/2 sacks last year, expressed relief at having the contract matter settled. “It’s good to have it behind us,” he said. “It’s getting close to the season. A very humbling experience.”

While he didn’t secure the long-term deal he had hoped for, the Bengals offered enough to entice him back. Hendrickson’s new contract includes an exciting $14 million raise for this season, making his salary potentially reach $30 million with incentives. After this season, he is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent, giving him options to consider in the future.

Hendrickson had previously requested a trade in March, which did not materialize. He missed organized team activities and mandatory minicamp before holding out at the start of training camp in July. He eventually returned late in the first week of camp and focused on conditioning with the team’s strength staff. “They did a great job of keeping me in shape in terms of conditioning and weightlifting,” he noted. “I’m looking forward to getting back into shape, but I am ready to go.”

Regarding the newly revised contract, Hendrickson acknowledged it wasn’t always on the table but was grateful when it finally came through. “My wife and I prayed about it and it was something we collectively felt good about,” he mentioned. “In retrospect, if it helps with that extension I signed and helps the 2025 Bengals, I feel like it’s a mutual common ground.”

With the contract negotiations settled, Hendrickson can now focus fully on the upcoming season opener against Cleveland on September 7. As the only Pro Bowler on a relatively inexperienced Bengals defense, he carries significant responsibility and high expectations for the season. “It was unfortunate that it took so long, but we’re here,” he expressed. “The 2025 Bengals are hopefully a better team with me on it.”