The Cincinnati Bengals' storyline with star defensive end Trey Hendrickson just keeps getting more bizarre. Before the 2024 draft, Hendrickson threw in a curveball by requesting a trade. But that's not all – according to Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic, he's looking for a longer-term extension, too.
Adding to the drama, Hendrickson's agent dropped a bombshell to WLWT's Charlie Clifford, hinting that the player might even retire if a new contract isn't in the cards before the regular season kicks off. This sudden retirement threat, alongside the very public trade request, has escalated the situation to a whole new level.
Just last summer, the Bengals and Hendrickson agreed to a one-year extension, giving him a hefty $5 million raise and an additional $16 million for the following year. But it seems Hendrickson's stellar performance last season, with 43 total tackles and an impressive 17.5 sacks, has him feeling undervalued.
This puts the Bengals in a tricky spot, much like with Tee Higgins. They seem to hold most of the bargaining power, but Hendrickson's stellar performance and the specter of retirement add a layer of uncertainty to the situation.
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