NFL News: Bengals and Joe Burrow’s teammate have massive update regarding contract extension

The defensive end Trey Hendrickson has been at war with the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason. After being the NFL sack leader last season, Hendrickson thought it was time for a contract extension as he is entering the last year of his current deal. However, the team wasn’t close to meet his expectations. Now, Jeremy Fowler from ESPN reported some good news regarding Joe Burrow‘s teammate.

Fowler reported that the team and the player have resumed contract talks on Sunday. At 30 years old, Hendrickson has been a massive presence for the Bengals defense. He has 17.5 sacks in each of his last two seasons and has earned Pro-Bowl status in each of his four seasons with the team.

Joe Burrow himself has been vocal about wanting the team to pay the defensive stud. Hendrickson has also taken to the public eye to voice his frustrations, “The offers prior to the draft did not reflect the vision we shared and were promised last offseason if I continued to play at a high level. Coaches are aware of these past conversations. Rather than using collaboration to get us to a point to bring me home to the team, THEY are no longer communicating.“ Tough words.

While a step in the right direction, nothing is signed

Hendrickson and the Bengals have resumed talks, which is better than having no communication at all. Having said that, this doesn’t mean the two parties involved have reached an agreement.

Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates as he walks off the field after defeating the Los Angeles Rams in the game at Paycor Stadium on September 25, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

This is not the first time the Bengals have entangled in difficult contract situations with their best players. Wide receiver Tee Higgins also went through a hard process and so did All-Pro Ja’Marr Chase. In fact, first-round pick Shemar Stewart is on a hold-out right now. He hasn’t signed his rookie contract due to the Bengals trying to install an inusual clause on his deal.

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Joe Burrow, Bengals missing promising player ahead of 2025 NFL season

The Bengals need a good season to justify all this

The Bengals aren’t reknowned as a great NFL franchise. All these contract disputes are just a proof of that. However, you might see their roster and think “at least they should be doing really fine.” But no. They have missed the playoffs the last two seasons.

A team that has one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks in Burrow, the best WR duo in Chase and Higgins, and the NFL sacks leader in Hendrickson can’t afford to not be in the playoffs. Either they have a great season, or most likely tough decisions will be made within the franchise.