Trey Hendrickson and the Cincinnati Bengals have reportedly agreed to a $14 million salary increase, securing his presence with the team through the 2025 season. Despite this increase, Hendrickson still faces uncertainty regarding long-term security and his position after this season. He has expressed dissatisfaction with the Bengals’ lack of commitment beyond one year, showing concerns about the franchise’s reliance on unproven players in vital defensive roles.
The decision to increase his salary came after a prolonged negotiation process, with Hendrickson previously regretting a one-year extension that limited his market opportunities. The Bengals, wary of his age and past performance, are not fully invested in him long-term and are instead positioning themselves for future success.
While this raise may appease Hendrickson temporarily, it raises questions about the Bengals’ broader strategy. There’s a looming need for young talent to support the defense, and potential franchise tags in the future could prove costly. Ultimately, both sides will need to prove their worth this season to justify their decisions, but Hendrickson may still find himself exploring free agency after the year.
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