Trey Hendrickson’s Contract Standoff Heats Up: Bengals Silent, Colts Lurking

Trey Hendrickson’s Contract Drama: Bengals Stalling, Colts Rumors Buzzing

As the Cincinnati Bengals continue their offseason grind, one big storyline refuses to simmer down—Trey Hendrickson’s unresolved contract situation. And let’s just say, things aren’t exactly moving in a positive direction.

While fans eagerly tune in for news, here’s the bombshell—Hendrickson and the Bengals haven’t spoken about a new deal since the NFL Draft. Yup, you read that right. No calls, no texts, nothing. And Hendrickson? He’s not thrilled.

“I’ve been eagerly awaiting a resolution of this situation, but that’s hard to do when there is no discussion and an evident lack of interest in reaching mutual goals,” he said in a statement to ESPN.

That’s not the sound of a happy camper. It’s the sound of a frustrated star pass rusher who's led the NFL in sacks in 2024, showing up to voluntary workouts—but refusing to participate. His attendance might be seen as a show of professionalism, but the message? Loud and clear.

🎯 What’s the Hold-Up?

So, what’s the actual snag in negotiations? According to Hendrickson, it’s all about timing and context.

“We’re just not agreeing on some parts of what was communicated because there weren’t verbal numbers that could forecast what Maxx Crosby, Myles Garrett, and Danielle Hunter are getting,” he explained. “So having that conversation in July of 2024 does not forecast May of 2025.”

And he’s got a point. The edge rusher market is red-hot right now. Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby just landed monster deals, and Danielle Hunter’s new contract only added fuel to the fire. Hendrickson? He just wants a deal that matches that level of respect—both financially and professionally.

🧨 Hendrickson’s Rise: The Stats Don’t Lie

Let’s not forget who we’re talking about here. Trey Hendrickson isn’t just some average pass rusher. Since joining the Bengals, he’s become a cornerstone of their defense. Over the last four seasons, he’s been nothing short of elite—and that’s not hyperbole.

• 2024 NFL Sack Leader

• Consistent Top 5 in QB pressures

• Veteran presence on and off the field

That level of production should have translated into contract talks already, right? But the silence from the Bengals' front office has left many scratching their heads.

🤔 The Colts Connection: Could a Reunion Be Brewing?

While things remain cold in Cincinnati, another team keeps popping up in the rumor mill—the Indianapolis Colts.

Here’s where things get interesting. New Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo spent several seasons coaching Hendrickson in Cincinnati. That kind of familiarity can’t be ignored, especially with the Colts needing more firepower on the edge after Dayo Odeyingbo departed in free agency.

Imagine this: Hendrickson lining up next to Kwity Paye and DeForest Buckner. That front seven would be downright terrifying.

But before fans get too excited, there’s a big hurdle—the price.

🏷️ The Cost of Acquiring Hendrickson

Let’s be real. If the Colts want to go all-in on Hendrickson, they’re going to have to pay up—big time.

Here’s what’s on the table:

• Premium draft picks (think 2nd or even 1st round value)

• A contract extension that keeps Hendrickson happy and in the top salary tier

• Long-term salary cap flexibility, which might get tight with other upcoming re-signings

So, is Hendrickson worth that kind of investment? If you look at pure production and leadership, absolutely. But it’s not a simple “plug and play” situation.

🧠 The JT Tuimoloau Factor

Here’s where the plot thickens. The Colts drafted JT Tuimoloau, a defensive end with a whole lot of upside. Some insiders have even compared his style to Sam Hubbard—another Anarumo favorite. That move alone might’ve cooled Indy’s interest in trading for Hendrickson.

Tuimoloau offers a younger, cheaper option who could develop into a long-term piece in Anarumo’s scheme. Does that make Hendrickson’s path to the Colts a dead end? Not quite. But it definitely complicates the math.

🔮 What’s Next for Trey Hendrickson?

The Bengals have a decision to make—and soon. Hendrickson is entering the final year of his current contract, and letting it ride into the season without any commitment could backfire. The longer this drags on, the louder the trade whispers will get. And if his camp remains iced out of talks, frustration is bound to spill over.

Here are a few possible scenarios:

1. The Bengals finally budge and offer him a new deal reflecting market value.

2. Hendrickson sits out mandatory activities, increasing public and internal pressure.

3. A surprise team (maybe not even the Colts) jumps into the trade market.

4. Hendrickson plays out 2025 and walks in free agency—leaving Cincy with nothing.

None of those options are ideal for a team that’s supposed to be a contender.

🗣️ Final Word: Time Is Ticking, Cincinnati

Let’s call it what it is—this is a situation the Bengals could have controlled. You’ve got a top-tier talent, leading your defense, who just wants a deal that reflects his value. Instead of getting ahead of the market, they’ve let it balloon and now risk paying more—or losing him entirely.

And for Hendrickson, the message is clear: “Respect me, or watch me walk.”

Fans will have their say, insiders will keep speculating, and social media will run wild. But behind the scenes, this is all business. And unless something changes fast, we could be looking at one of the biggest defensive trades of the 2025 season.