Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson expressed his disappointment and frustration with contract talks with the team after a recent comment from executive vice president Katie Blackburn.
Hendrickson, who is seeking a new contract after posting 17.5 sacks each of the past two seasons, said he was hoping to receive a new deal but felt Blackburn’s comments were confusing and poor communication had been a problem over the last few months.
The Bengals have told Hendrickson that they would address his contract this year, but he feels the process has been slow. Hendrickson is looking for a long-term deal, citing the increasing market value of defensive ends and wide receivers.
He wants to be able to plan for his future, including starting a family, and does not want to play on short-term contracts with uncertain incentives. The 31-year-old is coming off his best season in the league, leading the NFL in sacks and being named to the All-Pro team for the first time in his career.
Hendrickson’s contract is the final hurdle remaining for the Bengals in an offseason that also addressed deals for wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. With organized team activities set to begin later this month, there is urgency to get a deal done before the season starts.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/44506933/trey-hendrickson-disappointed-bengals-stance-contract