It’s good news that Cincinnati Bengals All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson reported to training camp on Wednesday morning. He could be seen advising Bengals first-round draft pick and fellow edge rusher Shemar Stewart during Wednesday’s practice.
Throughout Hendrickson’s contract negotiations, he has handled himself with professionalism and resolve. That’s not changing.
But the fact that Hendrickson is here means he and the Bengals are communicating and working to get a deal done.
"Things are exactly
ADthe same (with contract talks). What I'm not going to do is be a distraction." Trey Hendrickson spoke at length with us just now. Here's 2+ minutes. #Bengals @FOX19 Also added both sides have a common goal for a new deal. Just about details. pic.twitter.com/FwuGyLkPkr
— Jeremy Rauch (@FOX19Jeremy) July 30, 2025
Notice in the first 20 seconds of the clip how Hendrickson says that this has never been something where he wasn’t going to be here to help the 2025 Bengals. That tells me he’s intent on playing this season. Even though he has said he won’t play on his current deal, what he’s saying in the clip above should be a confidence boost for Bengals fans.
Hendrickson expressed his appreciation for teammates who helped him earlier in his career, including former Bengals edge rusher Sam Hubbard. This is a player who has respect for his teammates and wants to be here.
His main point is that both sides share a common goal: to finalize a deal with no distractions.
“Not only have I mentioned it multiple times this offseason, but ownership has as well; our plans are not to play on the current deal,” Hendrickson stated. “That’s something we have a common goal to get to. That’s the plan moving forward. No distractions. I am excited to be here. I think it’s great seeing the brotherhood that’s in here.”
The clock is ticking, but progress on a contract extension is in the works.
More from cincyjungle.com:
- NFL Week 14 injury report: 8 starters miss Bengals’ Thursday practice
- Marvin Lewis a candidate to be Browns GM?
- Marvin Lewis reveals John Ross had been hiding a shoulder injury
- NFL Week 14 Bengals vs Bears: Behind enemy lines with Windy City Gridiron
- Bengals film room: Mistakes and injuries cause defense to fall apart vs Steelers
- Fantasy Football: Who to start and sit in NFL Week 14
- Bengals Bytes (12/8): Getting over the Pittsburgh hangover
