
Bengals and Trey Hendrickson locked in contract war that could shatter Cincinnati's defense
Trey Hendrickson contract dispute with the Cincinnati Bengals has become a major NFL story, dragging on for months with no resolution in sight. As tensions escalate, both sides remain firm, leaving fans to wonder when the stalemate will end.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
This ongoing battle could seriously affect Hendrickson's future and the Bengals' defense heading into the crucial 2025 season.
Trey Hendrickson contract standoff threatening Cincinnati's defensive strength
Since last year, the Bengals and Hendrickson have been locked in an increasingly ugly negotiation, with no clear sign of progress. This isn't your typical holdout or quiet contract dispute. Hendrickson, a four-time Pro Bowler and arguably the NFL's premier edge rusher over the past two seasons, has openly criticized the Bengals for their lack of communication and transparency.
His frustration spilled over into public statements, underscoring how personal the matter has become.
Hendrickson's stance is firm: he refuses to play under his current contract, which many view as a slap given his league-leading sack totals in 2024. The Bengals' offer, reportedly around $28 million per year, falls well short of the market value for a player of his caliber—especially when compared to stars like Maxx Crosby, who earns $35.5 million annually, and Myles Garrett at $40 million.
This chasm in expectations has led to increasingly harsh actions, including the Bengals threatening fines if Hendrickson doesn't attend the mandatory minicamp in June. Rather than encouraging cooperation, the letter only deepened the rift, with Hendrickson calling out the move as a clear sign the Bengals do not intend to resolve the issue anytime soon.
Insiders, like Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, believe the upcoming mandatory minicamp, scheduled for June 10-12 could force a breakthrough or at least create some urgency.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
But given the current frostiness, it's more likely to be a flashpoint than a resolution.
Also Read:
While trading Hendrickson might seem like a drastic and short-sighted decision, the widening gulf and deteriorating relationship leave few alternatives. Losing Hendrickson would be a severe blow to Cincinnati's pass rush and defensive identity, especially with the 2025 season approaching.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
23 minutes ago
- Time of India
Inside Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld's intimate California wedding and the honeymoon mystery that's keeping fans guessing
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Hollywood star Hailee Steinfeld officially tied the knot on May 31 in what many are calling a dream wedding. The ceremony, held at the picturesque San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California, was kept under wraps for months—until fellow Bills player Dion Dawkins accidentally let the date slip. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Now, new details are emerging, and fans are eating it up. A picture-perfect setting with a stylish black-and-white theme According to Brides magazine, the couple opted for a timeless black-and-white theme. Stunning arrangements of white flowers adorned the outdoor venue, creating an elegant yet understated aesthetic. Guests appeared to follow a neutral-toned dress code, with many seen in black attire, while a few held white parasols to shield themselves from the California sun. The couple exchanged vows under a canvas tented structure, blending rustic charm with modern elegance. It was intimate, refined, and exactly the kind of wedding fans might expect from a reigning NFL MVP and a Hollywood A-lister. Star-studded guest list with a comedic surprise While the official guest list hasn't been confirmed, photos revealed several notable attendees. One unexpected name caught the public's attention—comedian Larry David, best known for Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm, was spotted at the event. His presence added a unique flair to the already high-profile celebration. Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld (Image via Allen's Buffalo Bills teammates, including Dawson Knox, Spencer Brown, Mitch Trubisky, and Shane Buechele, were also in attendance. Head coach Sean McDermott reportedly joined the celebration as well, showing just how close-knit the Bills community remains off the field. The couple's honeymoon plans remain a total mystery While the wedding details have started to surface, Allen and Steinfeld are staying silent on their honeymoon plans. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now No locations or dates have been confirmed, and the secrecy suggests they're prioritizing privacy after such a public celebration. In a heartfelt note shared through her newsletter, Beau Society, Steinfeld quoted Allen saying, 'It feels unbelievable to be engaged to someone who is so special and loving and caring and gorgeous and fun and happy. I can keep going if you want me to keep going.' Steinfeld herself expressed the emotional impact of the moment, adding, 'All the happy tears have just barely dried... I start crying' whenever she reflects on the journey. Also Read: From a surprise wedding guest to a top-secret honeymoon, this celebrity NFL wedding continues to captivate fans with every new detail.


Time of India
23 minutes ago
- Time of India
NFL player Jake McQuaide causes scene in church, demands answers in archdiocese porn scandal—escorted out by police
NFL long snapper Jake McQuaide challenges church mid-Mass over shocking porn claims, gets removed (Getty Images) NFL players often make headlines for their performances on the field, but former Rams long snapper Jake McQuaide made waves for a completely different reason — and in a place far from any football stadium. On a quiet Saturday morning at Our Lady of the Visitation Church in Green Township, Ohio, McQuaide stood up during Mass and demanded answers from the Cincinnati Archdiocese regarding troubling rumors about clergy misconduct. Tense moment as NFL's Jake McQuaide interrupts church to confront clergy in pornography scandal probe It was an extraordinary moment for a man whose professional career has been built on consistency and discretion. Long snappers rarely find themselves in the spotlight, but McQuaide — a two-time Pro Bowler and veteran of 14 NFL seasons — didn't hesitate to speak out when he felt silence had gone on long enough. The confrontation occurred as Jason Williams, chancellor of the Cincinnati Archdiocese, was reading a prepared letter from Archbishop Robert Casey. The letter addressed controversial claims that two priests had allegedly accessed pornography using a parish computer. While the statement emphasized that 'no wrongdoing — either criminally or ecclesiastically — has been substantiated,' McQuaide wasn't content to let the issue rest there. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Ex-Rams long snapper sparks chaos in Mass, demands justice in archdiocese's porn scandal (Credit: USA Today Sports) 'Please take a second. We want to put these rumors to rest. Can you answer this for me, fact or fiction?' McQuaide asked, invoking the spirit of Sister Aloysius from the 2008 film Doubt. He continued, 'Did the priest use our parish computer to look at pornography? …True or false? True or false?' "You can look at pornography at your house, but you cannot do it here.' A tense moment unfolded in the sanctuary as churchgoers looked on. When someone at the altar suggested it wasn't the right time or place, McQuaide responded, 'I'm sorry, sir, this is the time and the place. I will stand up.' His outburst was met with swift action — two Green Township police officers escorted him out. However, no charges were filed. At the center of the controversy is a report made earlier this year by church member Todd Zureick. According to a WCPO investigation and a report in the Cincinnati Enquirer, Zureick claimed to have seen explicit thumbnails and links to disturbing VR role-play content involving sexual assault and occult themes on a church-owned laptop. The allegations were serious enough to merit an internal investigation, but the church maintained that nothing criminal or ecclesiastically inappropriate had been found. 'Like gossip, the spreading of rumors is sinful, and we should all work to overcome this tendency of our fallen human nature,' the letter from Archbishop Casey read. Yet for McQuaide, who grew up in the area and attended Elder High School — a Catholic institution within the same diocese — the issue seemed too serious to ignore. With 197 NFL games under his belt, and a reputation built on discipline and precision, McQuaide's decision to speak out publicly speaks volumes about his personal convictions. Also Read: 'Die for playing with my son': Offset threatens violence after Stefon Diggs debuts matching braids with Cardi B's son


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
"Nobody wants him": Former Cowboys star slams Aaron Rodgers as Steelers saga spirals into uncertainty with no clear end in sight
While the Dallas Cowboys typically command the spotlight during the NFL offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers have surprisingly taken center stage in 2025 — and not for the reasons fans would hope. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The buzz surrounding the franchise isn't about a blockbuster trade or a standout draft pick. Instead, all eyes are on an aging quarterback who hasn't even worn the Steelers jersey yet: Aaron Rodgers. Aaron Rodgers called out by former NFL lineman as Steelers fans demand clarity on stalled QB situation Aaron Rodgers, a future Hall of Famer and one of the most polarizing figures in football, remains unsigned as Organized Team Activities (OTAs) roll on. With minicamp looming, there's still no clear sign that the veteran quarterback is ready to commit to Pittsburgh — or any team, for that matter. What initially seemed like a potential bold move to elevate the Steelers' offense has become a drawn-out waiting game that's testing the patience of fans and analysts alike. NFL insider Ross Tucker, a former Dallas Cowboys lineman, didn't hold back during a recent appearance on The Rich Eisen Show. His blunt assessment of the situation struck a chord: "Nobody wants him. Nobody wants him," Tucker declared, as cited by He went on to explain why the Pittsburgh fan base is increasingly disillusioned: "The way they look at it is, he's not that good anymore, we're still not gonna beat the Bills or the Chiefs or the Ravens or [insert team here] in the playoffs. So what's the point? To maybe win 9 or 10 games again and maybe have a first-round exit again? Steelers fans are losing their patience with that." CBS Sports' Ross Tucker Talks Rodgers, Saquon & More | Full Interview | The Rich Eisen Show And he's not wrong. The Steelers have long been defined by their gritty identity, smart roster decisions, and a no-nonsense approach to building contenders. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But signing Rodgers at this stage in his career could compromise all of that. While the idea of adding a marquee name under center might look appealing on the surface, the reality is far more complicated. Rodgers, now in the twilight of his career, would likely command a massive salary, and his recent injury history and off-field antics only add to the risk. Fans aren't just wary of Rodgers' declining performance — they're concerned about stagnation. Pittsburgh hasn't been able to seriously contend in the AFC playoffs in recent years, and mortgaging the future for a short-term gamble isn't sitting well with the diehards. As minicamp nears and Rodgers continues to stay silent, the Steelers are stuck in limbo — and the longer the silence stretches, the clearer it becomes that maybe, just maybe, the answer they've been waiting for isn't worth the wait. Also Read: