Story by
Trey Hendrickson frustrated with Bengals contract talks: 'Communication has been poor'
- Story by
- Trey Hendrickson frustrated with Bengals contract talks: 'Communication has been poor'
Trey Hendrickson and the Cincinnati Bengals don't appear to be keeping in contact on a new contract.
Earlier this offseason, the star edge rusher was given permission from the organization to seek a trade . Last offseason, Hendrickson requested a trade, so the idea that he could suit up for a different team is nothing new.
Advertisement
Hendrickson remains the last of the Cincinnati trio to be waiting for a contract extension. Ja'Marr Chase received a four-year deal worth $161 million , which makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history. T ee Higgins also got his extension , ensuring the receiver duo will be together for years to come.
Hendrickson appeared on The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday , where he spoke on his contract situation with the Bengals .
This comes on the heels of the explosive comments on Tuesday from Bengals Vice President, Katie Blackburn.
"I think he should be happy at certain rates that maybe he doesn't think he'd be happy at," Blackburn said via Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer . "I think some of it is on him to be happy at some point, and if he's not, you know, that's what holds it up sometimes. So, you know, it takes him to say yes to something, and also, we have all the respect in the world for him. He's been a great player. We're happy to have him. And so maybe we'll find a way to get something to work. We're just gonna see where it goes."
Advertisement
Hendrickson began his interview on the McAfee show by referencing April Fool's Day, saying he was jokingly traded to all 31 other teams and had many different fake contracts but hoped Blackburn's comments were one as well. However, his agent confirmed them to be the real deal.
"Communication has been poor over the last couple months," Hendrickson said. "They have not communicated with my agent directly. It's been something that's been a little bit frustrating."
He maintained that he is blessed to be in the NFL and remains excited to be a Bengal.
"Last year and the year before I had been talking about long-term contract, guaranteed money, " Hendrickson said. "It was discussed with me in a meeting, which I'm very fortunate to have had, with my agent that we would get something done this year."
Advertisement
Hendrickson added that the team can call him, adding that he's used the same phone number since high school and the line of communication is always open.
"We don't have any desires of being highest-paid or first in line," Hendrickson said. "We try to be as patient as possible."
He mentioned that OTAs are coming and Sam Hubbard's retirement leaving a vacancy that he looks forward to filling in Cincinnati's quest for a Super Bowl.
Hendrickson doesn't have a deadline though.
"I think three years ago I began to ask for a long-term contract with guaranteed money," he said. "I've just been hunting quarterbacks."
Advertisement
While the wait has been frustrating, Hendrickson should be able to cash in whenever he lands the elusive long-term deal. The star compared his contract value to home values on Zillow, saying that the price continues to go up, and his colleagues continue to ink big contracts.
Hendrickson also confirmed he isn't interested in an incentive-laden deal that involves bonuses out of his control, the same way he doesn't want a short-term deal.
When asked, Hendrickson said he is prepared for a pre-draft trade if a deal can't be worked out but continued to express a willingness and desire to remain in Cincinnati.
Time will tell if the Bengals feel the same way.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trey Hendrickson contract: Star talks poor communication with Bengals
