The Cincinnati Bengals are in a precarious position regarding star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson's contract extension. Currently, there is no agreement in place, and Hendrickson is reportedly willing to hold out into the regular season if necessary. His current contract pays him $16 million per year, a stark contrast to the upwards of $30 million annually that elite pass rushers like Nick Bosa and Maxx Crosby are securing. Hendrickson has expressed the desire for multi-year guarantees, something the Bengals are reluctant to offer after the first year.

As the team invests heavily in offensive stars like Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase, the pressure mounts to ensure they do not lose a key defensive player like Hendrickson. The Bengals must navigate their financial strategies carefully, balancing commitments to established stars with the demands of a player crucial to their defensive success.