Several people believe Bengals star defensive end Trey Hendrickson might sit out the final year of his contract if a long-term deal isn’t reached, ESPN reported Thursday.
Both sides are in prolonged negotiations as trade talks with several teams about Hendrickson, who is seeking marking value and a long-term deal, have stalled.
“He’s extremely dug in,” a source said told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, who wrote that Hendrickson “very well might follow through on his promise to miss games or even the season” if no deal occurs.
The Bengals granted Hendrickson’s trade request this offseason and denying a separate request in 2024.
Hendrickson explored the market before free agency and the NFL draft, and multiple teams initially showed interest in signing the 30-year-old to a long-term contract, but nothing materialized, according to ESPN’s Ben Baby.
Hendrickson, who has a base salary of $15.8 million for 2025, has not participated in any voluntary workouts this offseason.
He missed Cincinnati’s offseason OTA workouts May 27-29, with another session set for June 2-4.
Hendrickson, 30, has already been informed he could be fined if he misses the mandatory minicamp, which will take place June 10-12.
His deal remains in limbo after the Bengals locked up their two offensive weapons, signing wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to long-term contracts in March.
The Bengals have $27.6 million in cap space for 2025.
Hendrickson has made it clear that he won’t play if his contract situation isn’t resolved.
He played coy when asked if he was willing to skip games in the interim.
Hendrickson was the NFL’s sack leader in 2024 with 17.5 sacks — and accounted for 48 percent of Cincinatti’s sack total last season.
Last season, he was named to the Associated Press All-Pro team and made the Pro Bowl for the fourth straight time.