NFL Insider Notes Trey Hendrickson’s Contract-Year Status: A Situation That Could Get Very Ugly
As the NFL season approaches, one situation that could get very ugly is the contract-year status of Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson. According to NFL insider, Ian Rapoport, Hendrickson is set to become a free agent after the 2023 season, and the Bengals may not be able to afford to keep him.
_Hendrickson’s Impressive Performance_
Hendrickson has been one of the most impressive defensive ends in the NFL over the past two seasons, recording 27.5 sacks and 34 tackles for loss. He has been a key member of the Bengals’ defense, helping the team reach the playoffs in 2021 and 2022.
_Contract-Year Status_
As Hendrickson enters his contract year, he is expected to receive a significant pay raise. However, the Bengals may not have the cap space to accommodate his demands. According to Rapoport, the Bengals have approximately $10 million in cap space available, which may not be enough to sign Hendrickson to a long-term deal.
_A Situation That Could Get Very Ugly_
The situation could get very ugly if the Bengals are unable to come to an agreement with Hendrickson. The defensive end has stated that he wants to stay with the Bengals, but he also wants to be paid fairly for his services. If the two sides are unable to reach a deal, Hendrickson may be forced to test the free agent market, which could lead to a messy and public negotiation.
_Potential Consequences_
If Hendrickson were to leave the Bengals, it could have significant consequences for the team’s defense. The Bengals would lose one of their top pass rushers, and would need to find a replacement in the draft or free agency. Additionally, the loss of Hendrickson could lead to a decline in the team’s overall defensive performance, which could impact their chances of making the playoffs.
_Possible Solutions_
There are several possible solutions to the situation. The Bengals could try to negotiate a long-term deal with Hendrickson, which would keep him with the team for several years. Alternatively, the team could try to sign him to a franchise tag, which would keep him with the team for at least one more season. However, the franchise tag is a risky move, as it could lead to a holdout or a trade demand from Hendrickson.
_Conclusion_
The situation with Trey Hendrickson’s contract-year status is one that could get very ugly. The Bengals need to find a way to keep their star defensive end, but they may not have the cap space to do so. If the two sides are unable to come to an agreement, it could lead to a messy and public negotiation, which could have significant consequences for the team’s defense. The Bengals need to find a solution to this situation, and fast, in order to avoid a potentially disastrous outcome.
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