-
Ben Child
CINCINNATI — The state of affairs between the Cincinnati Bengals and star defensive finish Trey Hendrickson has escalated.
Hendrickson won’t report for the workforce’s necessary minicamp that begins Tuesday, sources informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The All-Professional edge rusher didn’t take part in any of the workforce’s voluntary exercises as he seeks a brand new contract forward of the season.
Hendrickson’s solely look throughout offseason exercises was to talk to reporters to element the state of affairs between himself and the workforce. The 30-year-old mentioned he had no intention of playing on the ultimate 12 months of his present contract. He’s looking for a long-term cope with assured cash, whereas he mentioned the workforce is eyeing a short-term contract.
That is the second straight 12 months {that a} Bengals participant has restricted his minicamp participation due to a contract state of affairs. Final 12 months, Bengals huge receiver Ja’Marr Chase didn’t partake in any apply drills throughout minicamp, which began a hold-in that lasted by means of coaching camp. Chase received his contract this offseason — a four-year, $161 million deal that made him the highest-paid non-quarterback within the league.
Hendrickson is about to earn $16 million in money this season and is coming off the very best 12 months of his profession. He and Chase have been Cincinnati’s first All-Professional choices since 2015. Hendrickson led the league in sacks (17.5) and he was named to the Professional Bowl for the fourth straight season.
The previous Florida Atlantic standout is about to earn $16 million in money this season. Cleveland Browns defensive finish Myles Garrett, reset the edge-rusher market when he earned a deal in March that pays him $40 million yearly.
If Hendrickson misses all the minicamp, he might be fined as much as $104,768, in keeping with the phrases set within the collective bargaining settlement between the league and the gamers’ union.