NFL insider predicts end to Trey Hendrickson contract holdout with Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals find themselves in contract disputes with All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson and first-round pick Shemar Stewart. Coming off a season that saw Cincinnati field one of the worst NFL defenses, all eyes now center on when the saga will end.
One of the big differences in contract talks this offseason seems to be the length of the deal. Hendrickson, coming off first-team All-Pro honors, wants a long-term contract that ensures security as one of the highest-paid NFL players for years to come. However, Cincinnati prefers a short-term deal, considering he’ll be 31 years old in December.
NFL reporter Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated shared his prediction that the Bengals will work out an agreement with Hendrickson, ensuring that he plays for Cincinnati in 2025. One reason for that belief is the ‘real power’ quarterback Joe Burrow has with the franchise.
The Bengals’ front office granted Hendrickson and his agent permission to seek a trade at the start of the offseason. However, nothing materialized as teams weren’t willing to both pay Hendrickson and meet the Bengals’ asking price (first-round pick).
Related: Top NFL storylines for OTAs, including the Trey Hendrickson holdout
- Trey Hendrickson contract (Spotrac): $18.666 million cap hit in 2025, NFL free agent in 2026
Cincinnati has since dug in its heels about not budging in contract talks, nor is it willing to trade Hendrickson heading into a season with high expectations for contending. Meanwhile, the four-time Pro Bowl selection is threatening to sit out multiple regular-season games.
Hendrickson must play at least six regular-season games in order to accrue the final season of his deal, becoming a free agent in 2026. If he follows through on his threat, he could refuse to play until Cincinnati’s Week 13 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving and still become a free agent.
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Related: Trey Hendrickson may sit out season due to contract dispute
Shannon Sharpe’s Lawyer Drops Bombshell, Claims NFL Hall of Famer Tried to Settle Sexual Assault Case For Ungodly Amount
Sharpe’s attorney, Lanny J. Davis, has denied all allegations, calling the lawsuit a “blatant and cynical attempt to shake down Mr. Sharpe for millions” and an act of blackmail.
Davis fully defended his client during a Tuesday conference call with reporters. But he – perhaps inadvertently – made news that does not reflect well on Sharpe.
He revealed that before he joined Sharpe’s legal team, the three-time Super Bowl champion attempted to settle the matter with the accuser.
According to ProFootballTalk, Davis repeatedly stated that Sharpe offered “tens of millions of dollars” to settle the case.
The lawyer, after saying “tens of millions” several times, eventually, upon multiple requests for clarification, settled on the amount of “at least $10 million.”
Shannon Sharpe Tried to Settle With Accuser
Thus far, Shannon Sharpe has aggressively denied the allegations leveled in the lawsuit, which makes his reported willingness to settle for such a large sum rather confounding.
