The Bengals are in trouble. Fans are bashing the front office. This has shocked experts and analysts. And teammates likely resent how it’s handling the situation. And there is only one reason why all this is happening- Trey Hendrickson‘s contract extension. The star defender is waiting for his share of bread. But the franchise is dragging it down to another level and making a mess. The talks have now gone in different directions. But Trey’s latest message led us to something different than just talks and delays. His new message throws the franchise under the bus. 

In a recent interaction with the reporters on May 13, Trey described a situation in his own Floridian style. Reporters asked the 30-year-old about contract talks with the Bengals, and he replied, “I’m Floridian. So, there are unprovoked shark attacks and there are provoked shark attacks.” He also added, “The comments that are being made, whatever happened at the combine, whatever happened at the owner’s meeting, the text I got yesterday. This is not where I’m just twiddling my thumb thinking how I can get the next one up.” And actually, the situation is messed up. 

Trey Hendrickson’s contract extension has been a topic of discussion for months, but the Bengals’ front office has yet to take action. He signed a four-year deal in 2021, and when that contract was about to expire in 2024, the team added a one-year extension worth $21 million, moving the end date to 2025.

Now, Hendrickson is pushing for a longer-term deal. At 30 years old, he has made it clear he doesn’t want another one-year contract. He’s publicly stated that he’s looking for a two- to three-year extension.

At this point, the Bengals have two clear options: Extend Hendrickson with a new multi-year deal. Or trade him while his value remains high. Surprisingly, they’re doing neither. There’s been no progress on a new contract, and no real trade discussions either. The issue appears to be a lack of communication from the front office, leaving both Hendrickson and fans uncertain about what comes next.

And if we look at the top team that can trade for Hendrickson, they would be the Detroit Lions, the New England Patriots, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Green Bay Packers. But now the only question is, do the Bengals really want to trade Hendrickson or just give him a new contract?

Meanwhile, Hendrickson has clarified to the football world on May 13 that there is zero communication between him and the franchise. 

No contract talks with Trey Hendrickson

On May 13, Trey Hendrickson talked to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He expressed all his frustration, the current situation of his contract with the NFL insider, and also gave a hint at what his future will be. He said the Bengals’ front office keeps making decisions in a way that frustrates him. 

“No communication has taken place between my camp and the organization post-draft. 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,” Hendrickson said. Then he also took a shot at head coach Zac Taylor and his staff. 

Trey Hendrickson further added, “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. I have been eagerly awaiting a resolution to this situation. But that’s hard to do when there is no discussion and an evident lack of interest in reaching mutual goals.” And on May 13, Hendrickson said that he won’t be playing for the Bengals if there is no contract extension.

With recent developments and growing speculation, it will be interesting to see what decision the Bengals ultimately make regarding Hendrickson’s future. Will they choose to keep him as a core part of their defense? Will they explore trade options? Or restructure his contract?