Trey Hendrickson Deserves Better: Loyalty, Leadership, and the Problem With NFL Contracts
By Trinity Barnette
In the high-stakes world of the NFL, performance is currency. Trey Hendrickson, with his relentless drive and consistent sack totals, has been invaluable to the Cincinnati Bengals. However, recent contract tensions highlight a recurring issue in professional football: the imbalance of loyalty between players and organizations.
The Bengals’ Defensive Identity & Contract History
For years, the Bengals’ defense has thrived on grit, tenacity, and underdog energy. Hendrickson fit that mold perfectly. But what happens when your cornerstone players start to feel disposable?
This isn’t the first time a Bengals defensive standout has felt let down by the front office. Jessie Bates, one of the league’s best safeties, was franchise-tagged before leaving for Atlanta.
It’s a pattern. Defense carries the weight, then gets left behind.
The Bengals Defense: A History of Rebuilds, Regret, and Rare Loyalty
Trey Hendrickson isn’t just a pass rusher—he’s a lifeline. Since joining the Bengals in 2021, he’s recorded 39.5 sacks, forced multiple fumbles, and anchored a defense that has struggled to find consistency and identity over the past two decades. His 2023 season alone featured 17.5 sacks, placing him among the league’s elite. And yet, despite this, the Bengals reportedly shut down contract extension talks, prompting Hendrickson to request a trade earlier this offseason.
To understand why this is more than just a contract dispute, you have to look at the Bengals’ history. For years, Cincinnati was plagued by underperforming defenses and questionable draft decisions—often clinging to players who never lived up to their potential while letting go of those who did. There were flashes of brilliance, sure, but the overall pattern has been one of short-term thinking and loyalty that only seems to go one way.
When you compare Trey’s consistency with how the Bengals have handled other stars, the picture becomes clear: they’re quick to cash in on youth and upside but hesitant to reward the players who’ve already delivered. From failing to extend key contributors in the past to wasting millions on misfired contracts , the Bengals’ front office has a track record that speaks volumes—and none of it favors long-term commitment to proven leadership.
Hendrickson didn’t just show up for the stats. He showed up in the locker room, on the sidelines, and in the film room. He played through injury, mentored younger players, and helped redefine the Bengals’ identity during their 2021–2022 postseason run. And yet now, as he enters his final contract year, his reward is uncertainty.
The Bengals are building for the future—but if the future doesn’t include a player like Trey Hendrickson, what exactly are they building on?
When Logic Goes Missing: How the Bengals Front Office Undervalues Its Defense
Let’s talk about the Bengals—because their decision-making lately is giving why are we like this? vibes. They paid Joe Burrow, locked down Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, and put together one of the most exciting offensive cores in football. Cool. But somewhere along the way, they forgot that you also have to stop the other team from scoring.
Trey Hendrickson has been one of the most consistent defensive forces in the league since joining the Bengals. In 2023, he put up 17.5 sacks and carried a defense that was stretched thin, injured, and under-supported. He’s been a model of consistency, and yet… when he asked for a reasonable contract adjustment heading into his final year, the Bengals basically told him to kick rocks.
This is a team that’s handed out massive deals to offensive stars—and yes, that includes Burrow’s $275 million contract—while the defense keeps being asked to do more with less.
The 2025 Bengals Draft: A Defensive Redemption or Another Confusing Gamble?
Let’s give credit where it’s due: the Bengals clearly knew they had to pour some draft energy into defense. After watching their defense get cooked like Sunday dinner in key moments last season, the front office finally acknowledged that maybe—just maybe—it’s not all Joe Burrow’s job to win games. Shocker.
Here’s who they picked:
Round 1, Pick 17: Shemar Stewart, EDGE (Texas A&M) – An athletic, high-upside edge rusher with serious power. If he develops quickly, he could help anchor a depleted defensive front. But it’s still giving “we’re hoping for a miracle” vibes.
Round 2, Pick 49: Demetrius Knight, LB (South Carolina) – Speed and length, but he’s raw. Great motor, questionable instincts. Another “project pick” instead of a plug-and-play fix.
Round 3, Pick 81: Dylan Fairchild, G (Georgia) – This one actually makes sense. The O-line can always use depth. Fairchild has SEC experience and plays with aggression—something they’ll need to protect Burrow’s ribs.
Round 4, Pick 119: Barrett Carter, LB (Clemson) – Fast, versatile, and a solid coverage backer. If he stays healthy, he could be the sleeper of the draft. But again… another linebacker?
Round 5, Pick 153: Jalen Rivers, T (Miami) – A developmental tackle. Not bad, but at this point in the draft, we’re collecting linemen like Pokémon and hoping one evolves.
Round 6, Pick 193: Tahj Brooks, RB (Texas Tech) – Strong, powerful runner. Could be a gem in short-yardage situations, but not exactly solving the defense-shaped hole in our roster.
So yes, they focused more on defense—which is refreshing—but considering the Trey Hendrickson situation, the timing feels ironic. It’s like the Bengals finally remembered defense exists, just as they started alienating one of their best defenders.
