The Cincinnati Bengals once again have a star player who is not taking part in mandatory minicamp, and Joe Burrow wishes that were not the case.
Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson was one of a few players across the NFL who did not report to minicamp on Tuesday as they seek new contracts. The situation is one that is familiar in Cincinnati, as star wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins both had contract disputes with the team a year ago.
Burrow told reporters on Tuesday that there are "definitely less distractions" for the Bengals this year than during minicamp in 2024. But when asked if Hendrickson's absence is a distraction, Burrow said "of course."
"Last year we had two. This year we have one, so we do have less. We'd love to have none, but that's life in the NFL," Burrow said. "We're all supporting Trey and we'd love for him to be back."
Is Trey Hendrickson's situation a distraction?
Joe Burrow: "Of course." #Bengals @WCPO pic.twitter.com/7yihKGkO2E— Marshall Kramsky (@marshallkramsky) June 10, 2025
Hendrickson is set to make $15.8M in the final year of his contract this year, which is well below market value for a player who had 17.5 sacks in each of the last two seasons. The 30-year-old has said he is willing to sit out of regular-season games if he does not get an extension from the Bengals.
Burrow has said he believes Hendrickson deserves to be paid according to the market, which would be somewhere between $30M-40M per year.
Hendrickson and the Bengals do not appear to be making progress toward a deal, so it could be a while before we see the Pro Bowler back on the field.
