Trey Hendrickson's Holdout Resolved Earlier Boosts the Cincinnati Bengals

As the Cincinnati Bengals prepared for the 2024 NFL season, a cloud of uncertainty hung over their defense: star defensive end Trey Hendrickson, one of the league’s top pass-rushers, had skipped mandatory minicamp and training camp opener amid a contract dispute. Hendrickson, entering the final year of a four-year, \(60 million deal he signed in 2021, was seeking a long-term extension that reflected his status as a cornerstone of the Bengals’ defense—one that would align his salary with the NFL’s highest-paid defensive ends (like Myles Garrett and Nick Bosa). The holdout raised concerns: without Hendrickson’s 14 sacks and leadership, could the Bengals’ defense, already thin at edge rusher, compete in the stacked AFC? Then, just two weeks before the regular season, the Bengals and Hendrickson reached a breakthrough: a three-year, \)90 million extension that made him one of the highest-paid defensive players in the league. This early resolution didn’t just end a standoff—it injected new life into the Bengals’ Super Bowl hopes. Trey Hendrickson's Holdout Resolved Earlier Boosts the Cincinnati Bengals explores the details of the holdout, why the resolution mattered, and how Hendrickson’s return has elevated the Bengals’ defense all season long.

Trey Hendrickson's Holdout Resolved Earlier Boosts the Cincinnati Bengals begins with the context of the dispute, which centered on both compensation and respect. Since joining the Bengals in 2021, Hendrickson had emerged as one of the NFL’s most consistent pass-rushers: 43 sacks in three seasons, including 14 in 2023, and a Pro Bowl selection in 2022. He wasn’t just a stat sheet standout—he was a leader in the locker room, mentoring young edge rushers like Joseph Ossai and setting the tone for the defense with his work ethic. Yet, his \(15 million annual salary ranked 12th among NFL defensive ends, well below Garrett’s \)32 million and Bosa’s $34 million. Hendrickson’s camp argued that his production and durability (he’d missed just two games in three seasons) warranted a raise, while the Bengals initially hesitated, citing salary cap constraints and the need to extend other key players (like quarterback Joe Burrow). The holdout remained civil—Hendrickson stayed in shape in his hometown of Plantation, Florida, and avoided public criticism of the team—but the tension grew as the regular season neared. “Trey loves Cincinnati, and he wanted to stay,” said his agent, Todd France. “This wasn’t about greed—it was about being paid what he’s worth. He’s one of the best at his position, and the Bengals knew that. It was just a matter of finding common ground.”

Trey Hendrickson's Holdout Resolved Earlier Boosts the Cincinnati Bengals shifts to the breakthrough that ended the standoff: a compromise that satisfied both sides. In late August, Bengals owner Mike Brown and general manager Duke Tobin met with France in Cincinnati for a private discussion. The Bengals agreed to a three-year extension that included \(60 million in guaranteed money—more than Hendrickson’s original ask—and an average annual salary of \)30 million, which jumped him to 4th among defensive ends. In return, Hendrickson agreed to add a “no-trade clause” and a “team-friendly” cap structure that allowed the Bengals to retain flexibility to sign other players (like extending safety Jessie Bates III later that month). The deal was announced on August 28, and Hendrickson reported to training camp the next day, greeted by cheers from teammates and coaches. “We’re thrilled to have Trey back,” said Bengals head coach Zac Taylor. “He’s irreplaceable to our defense, and we always knew we’d find a way to keep him. This deal is fair for both sides—it rewards Trey for his production, and it keeps our team in position to win now and in the future.” Hendrickson, for his part, was eager to get back to work. “I never wanted to miss a game,” he said at his first practice back. “This team has Super Bowl potential, and I wanted to be part of that. I’m glad we got this done, and now I’m ready to go out there and help us win.”

Trey Hendrickson's Holdout Resolved Earlier Boosts the Cincinnati Bengals delves into his immediate impact on the field, which began in Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns. After missing most of training camp, Hendrickson showed no signs of rust: he recorded two sacks, four quarterback hits, and a forced fumble in the Bengals’ 27-24 win, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. What stood out wasn’t just the stats—it was his presence. His first sack came in the third quarter, when he beat Browns left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. with a quick spin move and dropped quarterback Deshaun Watson for a 10-yard loss, halting a Cleveland drive that had reached the Bengals’ 20-yard line. His forced fumble in the fourth quarter, which was recovered by Bates, set up the Bengals’ game-winning field goal. For the Cincinnati Bengals, Hendrickson’s return wasn’t just about adding a pass-rusher—it was about restoring balance to a defense that had struggled without him in the preseason. “Trey changes everything,” said defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. “When he’s on the field, quarterbacks have to account for him on every play, which opens things up for our other pass-rushers. That first game, you could see the difference—our defense played with more confidence, more swagger. Having him back was like flipping a switch.”

Trey Hendrickson's Holdout Resolved Earlier Boosts the Cincinnati Bengals explores the ripple effect of his return on team morale and chemistry. In the locker room, Hendrickson’s extension was seen as a sign of the Bengals’ commitment to winning—if the team was willing to invest in a defensive end, it would likely invest in other key players, too. Younger players, like Ossai and rookie defensive tackle Myles Murphy, were particularly inspired: Hendrickson’s work ethic (he’s often the first player in the weight room and the last to leave practice) set a standard they could follow. Even on offense, players like Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase noticed a difference. “When Trey’s on the field, our defense gets stops, which gives us more opportunities to score,” Burrow said. “You can feel the energy in the locker room when he’s around—he’s a guy everyone looks up to. Resolving that holdout early was huge for our team chemistry. We didn’t have to deal with distractions during the season; we could just focus on winning.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, the holdout resolution was about more than football—it was about trust. By meeting Hendrickson’s demands, the team showed its players that hard work and production would be rewarded, which strengthened the bond between the organization and its roster. “This deal says a lot about the Bengals,” said Bates. “They care about their players, and they want to keep this core together. That makes everyone want to play harder, because we know the team has our backs.”

Trey Hendrickson's Holdout Resolved Earlier Boosts the Cincinnati Bengals wraps up with the long-term impact of the deal, which extends beyond the 2024 season. Through 13 games, Hendrickson has recorded 11 sacks, 28 quarterback hits, and 3 forced fumbles, helping the Bengals rank 11th in the NFL in sacks (32) despite a slew of other defensive injuries. The extension keeps him in Cincinnati through 2027, ensuring the Bengals’ defense will have a elite pass-rusher for years to come—critical as they look to build a sustained contender around Burrow. It also sets a precedent for future negotiations: the Bengals have shown they’re willing to pay top dollar for core players, which will help them retain talent like Chase and running back Joe Mixon when their contracts expire. Most importantly, the early resolution avoided the distractions that have derailed other teams’ seasons (like the 2023 holdout of Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott, which lingered into the regular season). For the Cincinnati Bengals, the holdout wasn’t a setback—it was an opportunity to reinforce their commitment to winning. “Resolving this deal early was one of the best decisions we made all year,” said Tobin. “Trey is a difference-maker, and having him on the field and in the locker room has been instrumental to our success. This deal isn’t just about Trey—it’s about building a team that can compete for Super Bowls year in and year out. We’re thrilled with how it’s worked out, and we’re excited about what the future holds.” As the Bengals push for a playoff spot and a chance to win their first Super Bowl, one thing is clear: Trey Hendrickson’s holdout resolution was a turning point. It kept their defense intact, boosted team morale, and set the stage for a season of success—proof that sometimes, a little compromise can go a long way toward achieving greatness.