Hendrickson disappointed by comments from Bengals executive
Defensive end Trey Hendrickson didn't appreciate comments made by Cincinnati Bengals executive vice president Katie Blackburn amid ongoing contract negotiations.
"I think he should be happy at certain rates that maybe he doesn't think he'd be happy at," Blackburn said Tuesday at the NFL's annual meeting, according to The Cincinnati Enquirer's Kelsey Conway. "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."
Hendrickson voiced his displeasure with Blackburn's position Wednesday during an appearance on the "Pat McAfee Show."
"That was a little disappointing because communication has been poor over the past couple months," Hendrickson said. "That's something I hold in high regard. They have not communicated with my agent directly. It's been something that's been a little bit frustrating."
He added, "They're more than welcome to call me. I've had the same cell phone number since high school. Open line of communication is always open with me and my agent. So if they have anything they'd like to discuss, we have been nothing but willing to listen."
The four-time Pro Bowler said his camp was told a new deal would be negotiated after the 2024 campaign, noting that he'd been trying to come to an agreement with the team for three seasons.
"I've been basically asking for the same thing every year, to be solidified as a Bengal for life," he said.
The Bengals reportedly turned their attention toward working out an extension for Hendrickson after agreeing to new deals for receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins in March. Hendrickson is seeking a new agreement after recording 17.5 sacks in each of the past two seasons. Cincinnati granted the 2024 sack leader permission to seek a trade last month to gauge his league value.
The first-team All-Pro pass-rusher said he wanted to be around the team during OTAs later this month, but he didn't commit to attending the voluntary workouts.
While the average annual salary climbs higher with new deals at the top end of the market, Hendrickson is adamant that he has no desire to be the highest-paid player at his position, but he isn't willing to compromise on other details in his next deal.
"I don't think I want to play for incentives that will be out of my control," he said. "I don't think I want to play for a short-term contract."
Hendrickson is set to play out the final campaign of a four-year, $60-million deal with an $18.6-million cap hit in 2025, per Over the Cap.