Hendrickson & Bengals End Long Overdrawn Feud

Two of the most high-profile contract disputes in the NFL have been positively resolved this week, bringing relief to both teams’ fans. Washington’s star wide receiver, Terry McLaurin, reached a new agreement earlier this week, and now Trey Hendrickson and the Cincinnati Bengals have also come to terms. According to multiple reports, Hendrickson secured a $14 million raise for the 2025 season, bringing his salary to $30 million. The Bengals confirmed the revised contract via a statement on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

“It’s good to have it behind us,” Hendrickson said, expressing a sense of closure. “It’s getting close to the season. A very humbling experience.” Hendrickson, who led the NFL with an impressive 17.5 sacks last season, openly acknowledged the challenges of the negotiation process and the importance of moving forward as the new season approaches.

While Hendrickson had hoped for a long-term deal that would provide more security, he ultimately found the Bengals’ offer compelling enough to end his contract holdout. Earlier this year, in March, Hendrickson even requested a trade, signaling his desire for a fresh start elsewhere, but that request never materialized. His holdout included skipping organized team activities and mandatory minicamp sessions, and he notably missed the start of training camp in July as well.

Hendrickson finally returned to the Bengals late in the first week of camp. Since then, he has been actively working out with the team’s strength and conditioning staff but has remained off the field during practices, observing from the sidelines as he gradually eases back into the team environment.

With this saga now comfortably in the rearview mirror, Bengals fans can be hopeful for what a new season at full strength can look like. Even with Hendrickson, the Bengals’ defense still severely lacks overall depth. It’s going to be a long season of carrying from Joe Burrow and company to get this team to a playoff berth, especially within such a loaded division.