### Bengals' Trey Hendrickson Holds Out for Contract Negotiations Amid Minicamp Absence Trey Hendrickson, the Cincinnati Bengals' star defensive end, has opted to skip the team's mandatory minicamp as he seeks a lucrative contract extension. Currently, he is set to earn $15.8 million in the final year of his existing deal, but he has made it clear that he will not play under these terms. Hendrickson's absence from minicamp has raised concerns about the ongoing contract stalemate, with reports indicating that he is looking for a multi-year deal that aligns with the top salaries in the league for pass rushers, potentially around $34 million per year [https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-trey-hendrickson-seeking-multi-year-deal-along-tunes-106-500-000-raiders-star-bengals-contract-stalemate-continues-insider]. ### Breakdown of the Current Situation 1. **Contract Dispute**: Hendrickson is in the final year of a contract that pays him $15.8 million, which he believes is below market value for his performance level [https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/report-bengals-trey-hendrickson-resume-communication-as-he-seeks-contract-extension]. 2. **Minicamp Absence**: He did not attend the Bengals' mandatory minicamp, which has led to speculation about the potential for fines and the seriousness of his holdout [https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45484698/sources-de-trey-hendrickson-not-reporting-bengals-camp]. 3. **Negotiation Status**: Recent reports indicate that the Bengals have resumed communication with Hendrickson, but no significant progress has been made towards a new deal [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_provides_massive_update_on_trey_hendricksons_contract_negotiations_with_bengals/s1_13132_42331231]. 4. **Team Dynamics**: Other players, including quarterback Joe Burrow, have expressed support for Hendrickson, acknowledging that his absence is a distraction for the team [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/joe_burrow_has_blunt_response_to_question_about_star_teammates_holdout/s1_13132_42311259]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Contract Figures**: Hendrickson's current contract includes a base salary of $15.8 million and a salary cap hit of $18.6 million for the 2025 season [https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/report-bengals-trey-hendrickson-resume-communication-as-he-seeks-contract-extension]. - **Performance Metrics**: Over the past two seasons, Hendrickson has recorded 35 sacks, making him one of the most productive pass rushers in the league [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_bengals_contact_trey_hendrickson_gain_no_traction_toward_deal/s1_17049_42308669]. - **Potential Fines**: If Hendrickson misses all three days of minicamp, he could face fines totaling up to $104,768 [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/ranking_nfl_minicamp_holdouts_from_most_to_least_concerning/s1_13132_42308368]. ### Conclusion: The Path Forward for Hendrickson and the Bengals In summary, **Trey Hendrickson's holdout from the Bengals' minicamp underscores a significant contract dispute that could impact both his future and the team's performance**. The key points are: 1. Hendrickson is seeking a contract extension that reflects his value as a top pass rusher. 2. His absence from minicamp raises questions about potential fines and team dynamics. 3. Ongoing negotiations have resumed, but progress remains limited. 4. The situation is being closely monitored by fans and analysts alike, with implications for the Bengals' upcoming season. As the Bengals navigate this challenging negotiation, the outcome will be crucial for both Hendrickson's career and the team's defensive strategy moving forward [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_provides_massive_update_on_trey_hendricksons_contract_negotiations_with_bengals/s1_13132_42331231].