Bengals Reportedly Eye Extension for Trey Hendrickson as Core Remains Priority
May 28, 2025
The Cincinnati Bengals are sending a clear message this offseason: the window is open, and they’re doing everything possible to capitalize. Fresh off major contract extensions for offensive stars Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, reports are now surfacing that the team might not be done reinforcing its core. According to insider Dianna Russini, there are “good vibes” coming from within the Bengals organization that a new deal for Pro Bowl edge rusher Trey Hendrickson may be on the horizon.
In what’s shaping up to be one of the most aggressive roster-retention campaigns in franchise history, Cincinnati appears laser-focused on keeping the nucleus of its championship-caliber team intact. And while offense typically grabs headlines, the Bengals’ front office knows that their title aspirations hinge equally on the strength of their defense — and that means keeping Hendrickson in stripes.
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A Locker Room Priority
Perhaps the most intriguing detail to emerge from Russini’s report is that Joe Burrow has reportedly been “adamant” about retaining Hendrickson, a sentiment that mirrors his vocal support for keeping his wide receiver tandem of Chase and Higgins. That kind of leadership — a franchise quarterback advocating for defenders — speaks volumes about both Burrow’s team-first mentality and the respect Hendrickson commands in the locker room.
Burrow, known for his cerebral command of the offense and fierce competitive nature, understands better than most that elite quarterbacks don’t win Super Bowls alone. The battles are won in the trenches, on third downs, and with game-changing defensive plays. Hendrickson has delivered all of that — and more — since joining the team in 2021.
The fact that Burrow is backing Hendrickson’s extension as strongly as he supported the deals for his top targets only adds fuel to the belief that Cincinnati is building something far more enduring than a flash-in-the-pan contender. This is a quarterback who sees the big picture.
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Trey Hendrickson: Underrated, Unrelenting
Since signing with the Bengals as a free agent from the New Orleans Saints, Hendrickson has been one of the most productive edge rushers in the NFL. In his first three seasons in Cincinnati, he totaled 38.5 sacks, consistently ranking among the top in pressures, quarterback hits, and win rate among edge defenders. He was a Pro Bowler in 2021 and 2023, and arguably should’ve been again in 2022.
While he may not command the spotlight the way Myles Garrett or T.J. Watt does, Hendrickson’s impact is undeniable. He brings high-energy effort on every snap, a relentless motor, and the kind of veteran presence that elevates the players around him. He’s a tone-setter for Lou Anarumo’s defense, often drawing double-teams and freeing up others to make plays.
What’s more, his production has never been reliant on a dominant supporting cast. He’s been the engine of Cincinnati’s pass rush since his arrival and remains the team’s most dangerous front-seven weapon despite a rotating cast of linemates.
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A Hometown Discount in Play?
One of the most surprising — and potentially team-friendly — elements of the reported negotiations is the suggestion that Hendrickson could accept a “hometown discount” to remain in Cincinnati.
In an NFL landscape increasingly driven by player mobility and market-setting deals, the concept of a hometown discount is rare. But Hendrickson’s case may be different. At 30, he is entering the back half of his prime. Staying with a contender, in a system he thrives in, alongside teammates he trusts — and a quarterback who has his back — might outweigh the allure of maximizing every last dollar on the open market.
The Bengals, traditionally a more conservative spender than some of their big-market counterparts, would no doubt welcome the opportunity to lock in a key player at less than top-of-market value. But don’t mistake a “discount” for a handout — Hendrickson has earned every penny of whatever comes next.
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Investing in Both Sides of the Ball
Cincinnati’s 2025 offseason strategy is clear: maintain continuity among its stars and reinforce a roster that’s proven capable of going toe-to-toe with any team in the NFL. Securing Chase and Higgins was a major milestone, solidifying an offensive core that, alongside Burrow, forms one of the league’s most explosive units. But the front office is wisely recognizing that offense alone won’t win championships.
That’s why Hendrickson’s future matters so much.
Yes, the Bengals used a first-round pick on edge rusher Shemar Stewart in the 2025 NFL Draft. And yes, Stewart has immense upside and could eventually be a cornerstone on defense. But rookies — even highly talented ones — need time. Developing a consistent pass rush doesn’t happen overnight. Stewart may be the future, but Hendrickson is the present.
And the Bengals need both.
Keeping Hendrickson not only stabilizes the defense for the short term, but also gives Stewart a mentor and a buffer, easing his transition to the NFL without the immediate pressure of being “the guy.” It’s a luxury that could accelerate Stewart’s development and maximize the entire unit’s potential.
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The Cultural Shift in Cincinnati
For decades, the Bengals were seen as a small-market franchise that struggled to retain top talent. But under the leadership of head coach Zac Taylor, director of player personnel Duke Tobin, and Burrow’s emergence as a franchise-altering quarterback, Cincinnati is transforming into a destination for winning — and for staying.
Players want to be part of what’s being built. The locker room is united, the coaching is stable, and the quarterback is a generational talent who understands the value of chemistry and trust.
The idea that Trey Hendrickson — one of the team’s most valuable defensive assets — wants to stay and potentially take less to do so, speaks volumes about how far this organization has come.
And Burrow’s advocacy only amplifies that culture shift. He isn’t just focused on numbers or accolades. He wants to win — and he knows Hendrickson is a key part of that mission.
What’s Next?
If the reports prove accurate, negotiations between the Bengals and Hendrickson’s camp could accelerate in the coming weeks. With OTAs underway and training camp approaching, both sides may want to finalize an extension before the regular season begins.
Given Hendrickson’s importance to the defense and the endorsement from the team’s most influential player, the odds seem favorable that a deal gets done.
The bigger picture? Cincinnati is positioning itself not just for another playoff run, but for a sustained era of relevance — one where key players stay, young talent is nurtured, and the locker room stays aligned under a common goal.
Hendrickson’s potential extension would be another piece of that puzzle, a symbolic and strategic move that reinforces everything the Bengals are building.
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Final Thoughts
The Cincinnati Bengals are making a strong case as one of the NFL’s most forward-thinking franchises. With foundational pieces like Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins already locked in, the reported pursuit of a new deal for Trey Hendrickson signals a commitment to excellence on both sides of the ball.
Whether a “hometown discount” ultimately comes to fruition or not, the intent is clear: the Bengals aren’t just trying to win in 2025. They’re trying to build a dynasty.
And to do that, they know they’ll need all hands on deck — especially the ones that can sack the quarterback.
