They say highlight reels are for the fans, but sometimes they speak louder in the boardroom than they do in the bleachers. Trey Hendrickson had clearly said, “I’m not going to apologize for the rates of the defensive ends being paid in the National Football League.” It speaks volumes to his situation, but as the training camp approaches, his latest verdict wasn’t a statement but was a cinematic burst of rage from the DE—nothing negative yet spiritual.

You’d be forgiven for thinking it was just another offseason hype drop. After all, Hendrickson has made a name for himself by showing up and showing out. With 35 sacks in just two seasons, the Bengals’ defensive menace has earned every slow-motion shot he posts. But behind the filters and faith-filled captions with a Bible verse, there’s something else at play. Because when a Pro Bowl pass rusher turns to scripture mid-holdout, it’s more than a mood board. It’s a message to the fraternity that might provide clarity to this long-running saga.

And that message has landed. Hendrickson has reportedly told the Bengals he will not take the field on his current $16 million deal for 2025. And his latest Instagram post is an edit of himself, but what caught attention was the “1 Corinthians 16:13” caption. It isn’t just spiritual armor, it’s contractual pressure. The verse reads, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” Sources close to the team told Albert Breer this is now the third offseason in a row with unresolved tensions over his contract. So, chances are it’s not just a motivational quote. It’s the clearest signal yet that Hendrickson wants action, not admiration.

His production speaks for itself. Hendrickson has hit the quarterback 17.5 times a season in Cincinnati, and he is now the leader of Lou Anarumo’s defensive front. He’s also about to turn 31 in December. With defensive stars now securing upwards of $30–40 million a year, Hendrickson’s camp believes the market has shifted, and the Bengals are lagging. The team wants flexibility and structure in the short run, but they want a secure extension.

There are still talks going on, but the mood has changed. “If the Bengals have legitimate aspirations of a deep playoff run, they need to figure out a way to get a deal done,” wrote Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport, projecting a 3-year, $103.5M extension. “But with each passing week, that appears less likely.”

This post and reports might propel Bengal to give an official verdict. But they haven’t said a word this offseason.

Bengals must act on Trey Hendrickson’s contract situation before stakes rise

As of now, the Bengals appear unlikely to trade Trey Hendrickson, but that hasn’t stopped the outside noise. While Hendrickson remains in town and under contract, there’s no public sign of progress on an extension. Still, the franchise has time, and both sides know it. Cincinnati has the upper hand since Hendrickson already has a deal, and an extended holdout could hurt his long-term value on the free market.

But trade speculation refuses to cool. Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton recently floated a potential swap, sending Hendrickson to Detroit: “The Bengals may not feel comfortable paying a 30-year-old edge-rusher entering his age-31 season that amount of money on a multiyear deal. At the right price, they would likely entertain trade proposals.” In this scenario, the Lions would send back a second and fifth-round pick in 2026. It’s a theoretical deal, but it speaks to where league insiders think the situation could spiral if no agreement is reached.

The primary issue, however, isn’t interest – it’s cost. The front office in Cincinnati has never been afraid to set strict financial limits. As they might follow the motto of trading players, they treat contracts as if the moves are a duel, and they need to win in all cases. Hendrickson was even granted permission to seek a trade earlier, but nothing materialized, likely because the Bengals were asking for a first-rounder and more just to start talking. And the same reasons teams hesitate to commit big with money, age, and contract size are the same reasons no one’s coughing up a premium pick.