NFL Insider Drops Potential Hint on the Bengals Re-Signing Trey Hendrickso

Good Morning Football allowed Ian Rapoport to provide an intriguing update on the Cincinnati Bengals ongoing contract dispute. While he didn’t comment on their first round pick, Shemar Stewart, Bengals fans should be pleased with his comments.

Trey Hendrickson is a no-brainer for the team to re-sign. He’s the focal point of their defense, one that continues to rank in the lower half of football. Now, Rapoport’s latest comments have Bengals fans wondering if a deal is near.

Ian Rapoport’s Confirms the Bengals Have Sent Offers to Trey Hendrickson

In an attempt to mend fences, it seems like the Bengals front office has finally made some progress. Hendrickson’s contract expires this year, but he has made it very clear he’s not playing for $16 million. That’s a large hole to fill for a Bengals squad that doesn’t have anyone on defense close to Hendrickson.

From @GMFB: The beginning of training camp is upon us, and the #Cowboys and #Bengals are in focus with a few key to-do items. pic.twitter.com/sMTbPSFXmq

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 21, 2025

 

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“The Bengals also have some work to get done before things kick into gear for them,” Rapoport commented. “Not expected to play for that one [$16M contract], at least a raise likely is coming.”

A key quote followed, “The Bengals have made several offers, including a recent one over the last couple of days,” Rapoport said. “Today [July 21] is a huge day for Trey Hendrickson and the Cincinnati Bengals. We’ll see if they are able to get a deal done that features a raise for him this year, and potentially years after that of course.”

“The clock is ticking for Cincy. As by the way, it is for Shemar Stewart. The only first-rounder still unsigned belongs in Cincy.”

At this point, Bengals fans would love to just sign one. They were able to lock in their second round pick, though that clearly had no influence on Stewart’s signing. If there’s one priority ahead of training camp, it’s making a deal official for Hendrickson so he has a full summer of practice.

Trey Hendrickson Deserves a New Contract

Looking at what T.J. Watt just made, it’s no surprise why Hendrickson is frustrated. The Bengals front office had no issue dishing out massive contracts to surround Joe Burrow with the best talent possible. Watt’s $123M deal makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league.

It’s hard to compare Watt and Hendrickson, as they’re both phenomenal players. Hendrickson’s numbers speak for themselves, as Rapoport commented on him leading the league in sacks last season. If there’s one player who deserves a defensive contract similar to the Pittsburgh Steelers star, it’s Hendrickson.

With training camp so close, it would be a miracle if the Bengals could even figure out a short term solution. Rapoport mentioned the possibility of first working out a raise for this season. That step would be one trending in a positive direction, and it leaves the team in a great spot. They still would have the option to trade Hendrickson, if they so choose.

ESPN recently ranked Cincinnati as the No. 9 roster in the league. Without Hendrickson, their rating would likely fall to the bottom half of the league. They have offensive playmakers, and if they want to be in any position to make the playoffs, they need to keep their only defensive star.