No to a trade?
Yes to a signing?
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Texas A&M pass rusher Shemar Stewart in the 2025 NFL Draft, a move many thought might foreshadow the team's plan for current edge rusher Trey Hendrickson.
But now … a “good vibes” update …
Hendrickson is eligible for a hefty contract extension with the Bengals after his fourth year in Cincy. He lead the NFL in sacks last year with 17.5, meeting that total now in back-to-back seasons.
Is Cincy giving up on him? Doubtful. Even with the young addition in Stewart.
But as we get closer to OTAs and training camp, the two sides have not put pen to paper on any agreement for an extension, despite Hendrickson's four-time Pro Bowl resume as one of the game's best defensive ends.
While the pick of Stewart will greatly help their less-than-impressive defense outside of Hendrickson, signing Trey should still be a priority.
According to The Athletic, things could be moving in the right direction.
Diana Russini said on the Scoop City podcast, "I did a little digging on it and I'm still getting really good vibes coming out of Cincy that they're going to try to get a deal done with Trey [Hendrickson]."
Like he has done for past deals, quarterback Joe Burrow is adding to the "good vibes" by campaigning to keep Hendrickson with the Bengals.
"Joe Burrow has pushed for Cincinnati to lock in Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson," Russini reported. "Based on conversations I'm having, the Bengals are trying to do just that."
We keep hearing that a Trey Hendrickson deal might come in at $30 million per year with the Bengals.
Along the rest of the front seven, Cincinnati lost Sam Hubbard to retirement this offseason, but re-signed Joseph Ossai as a rotational depth piece.
Heading into 2025, the Bengals will need Hendrickson's production on the defensive line to give them any chance at rushing the passer. Hendrickson is responsible for just under half of Cincinnati's sacks for the entire 2024 season (17.5 of 36).
It appears his contract talks will depend on how the "vibes" are moving forward.
