Cincinnati Bengals Trey Hendrickson To Report To Camp Ending Holdout

When it comes to NFL contract disputes, they are almost as entertaining as the actual games. Drama? Check. Tense negotiations? Check. Grown men risking massive fines just to prove a point? You better believe it. Enter Trey Hendrickson, the Bengals’ All-Pro defensive end, who has been holding out for a more lucrative deal but is now reportedly on his way back to training camp. Even though he is showing up, this story is not over.

Hendrickson’s Decision To Report

According to reports, Hendrickson is set to end his holdout and report to the Bengals’ training camp on Wednesday. If you are wondering why this is making waves, here is the short version: the guy leads the NFL in sacks, posting a monster 17.5 sacks in 2024, and yet he’s being paid just $15.8 million this year. Sounds like a bargain for the Bengals, right? Well, not if you are Hendrickson.

The holdout has reportedly been about the guaranteed money in his contract. Players like Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt have signed deals with three years of fully guaranteed money. Meanwhile, the Bengals are clinging to their standard “one year only” policy,

Hendrickson skipped both the mandatory minicamp and the opening days of training camp, racking up $50,000 fines for every missed day. But hey, those fines add up. And falling on the sword for principles gets old when you are staring down a six-figure penalty.

Why He Is Reporting Without a New Deal

If you’re thinking, “Wait…why report if they haven’t resolved the contract?” That’s the million-dollar question, or rather, the multi-million-dollar question. Hendrickson showing up is a move to demonstrate goodwill, a classic “fine, I’ll play ball, but don’t think for a second I’m letting this slide” strategy.

By reporting to camp, Hendrickson avoids racking up even more daily fines, money that would be hard to recover even if he secures a bigger contract down the line. Plus, it is not like Hendrickson wants to sit out the season entirely. This move could also signal that he is betting on continued conversations pushing the Bengals to meet him somewhere in the middle. Will that bet pay off? Well, that is why we keep the popcorn ready.

The Stakes For the Bengals

For Cincinnati, this situation is walking a tightrope between keeping costs down and not alienating one of their best players. Hendrickson isn’t just any guy on the roster. Since joining the team in 2021, he has been a defensive juggernaut with a total of 57 sacks and 11 forced fumbles.

Yet, the team’s stingy reputation in guaranteeing contracts could cost them, not just with Hendrickson but with future big-name signings. Investing in a star player sends a message to the locker room and the rest of the league. Dragging your feet on paying a top-tier player who is still delivering? That sends a different kind of message, one that does not exactly scream “we value our players.”

What’s Next For Hendrickson and the Bengals?

Despite reporting to camp, the story isn’t wrapped up in a neat little bow. There’s no word yet on whether Hendrickson will practice without a new deal. He has made it clear he will not play the 2025 season under the current terms, so unless the Bengals are fine mapping out life without their reigning sack king, they will need to find a way forward.

Hendrickson has all the leverage here. The defense is mediocre at best, even with Hendrickson’s brilliance last year. Take him out of the equation, and they are not striking fear into opponents.

What This Means For Bengals Fans

Should you panic? Not yet—but maybe keep that “Panic” button within reach. Hendrickson reporting to camp is a step in the right direction, but it does not guarantee smooth sailing. Until a new deal is inked, there is always the risk of escalating tensions that could impact the season.

For now, Bengals fans can rest easy knowing Hendrickson will be in camp, even if his participation is TBD. Whether the Bengals are willing to crack open their piggy bank (and their one-year guarantee policy) remains the real question.

Hendrickson has proved he’s one of the league’s best pass rushers. The Bengals would be wise not to pinch pennies on the guy leading the NFL in sacks when they desperately need him. Yes, it will cost them upfront, but can any price really be too high when it means keeping your championship window wide open?