The Unsung Hero: Why Trey Hendrickson’s Bengals Deal Hinges on Joe Burrow

The Cincinnati Bengals have been a captivating NFL story over the past few years, evolving from a struggling franchise into perennial Super Bowl contenders. At the heart of this transformation is their young, dynamic quarterback, Joe Burrow, surrounded by elite offensive weapons. Yet, as the 2025 offseason progresses, a different kind of tension simmers in the Queen City: the contract stalemate with star defensive end Trey Hendrickson.

Hendrickson, a relentless pass rusher, has consistently outperformed his current contract, recording back-to-back 17.5 sack seasons in 2023 and 2024, leading the league in sacks. His frustration with the lack of a long-term, market-value deal has spilled into public view, with trade requests and strong statements about his unwillingness to play on his current contract in 2025. The Bengals, known for their shrewd, often conservative, cap management, seem dug in.

However, according to NFL insiders, there’s one pivotal person who could break this deadlock and ensure Trey Hendrickson remains a Bengal for the foreseeable future: Joe Burrow.

The Standoff: Hendrickson’s Value vs. Bengals’ Philosophy

Trey Hendrickson signed a one-year, $21 million extension in 2023, which effectively tied him to the Bengals through the 2025 season with a base salary of $15.8 million. While this was a raise at the time, the edge rusher market has exploded, and Hendrickson’s production has continued to ascend to elite levels. He is now severely underpaid compared to his peers.

The Bengals‘ front office operates with a clear philosophy: reward their homegrown stars and manage the cap prudently. They’ve invested heavily in their core offensive players, including Joe Burrow’s monumental extension, and recent massive deals for Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. This commitment to their offensive superstars, while necessary, has put a squeeze on other positions, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.

Hendrickson’s stance is understandable. He’s entering his age-31 season (turning 31 in December 2025) and has a finite window to maximize his earnings. Playing on an expiring, under-market contract carries significant injury risk, potentially costing him millions. He wants a long-term deal that reflects his status as one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers.

The Bengals, on the other hand, are wary of committing significant long-term guaranteed money to players entering their 30s, especially given their investments elsewhere. They’ve also shown a willingness to play hardball in contract negotiations, as seen with previous situations involving Jessie Bates III and Jonah Williams.

Trade rumors have swirled, with teams like the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders reportedly interested. However, the Bengals’ asking price for Hendrickson has reportedly been high (more than a first-round pick), and no deal has materialized, suggesting Cincinnati still wants to retain their defensive stalwart.

Enter Joe Burrow: The Quiet Influencer

This is where Joe Burrow steps in as the crucial factor. Burrow isn’t just the team’s quarterback; he’s the face of the franchise, the undisputed leader, and the primary reason the Bengals have transformed into a Super Bowl contender. His influence extends far beyond the huddle.

Here’s why Burrow is the “one person” who can get this deal done:

1. Elite Quarterbacks Drive Success (and Demand Talent): Burrow understands that his success, and the team’s Super Bowl aspirations, rely not just on offensive firepower but also on a complementary defense. A strong pass rush makes his job easier by getting the ball back faster and preventing opponents from scoring. Hendrickson is the linchpin of their pass rush.
2. Vocal Support for Teammates: Burrow has consistently shown his support for his teammates in contract disputes. He famously advocated for the extensions of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, stating, “We have the cap space to get it done. I want to make it happen. Everybody involved… we all want to stay together.” He has reiterated this sentiment regarding Hendrickson, publicly stating his support for Hendrickson’s decision to not participate in team activities while extension talks are ongoing.
3. Franchise Quarterback Leverage: When an organization invests over $275 million in their quarterback, that quarterback gains significant leverage. Burrow’s desire to keep key pieces around him carries immense weight with the Bengals’ ownership and front office. They want to keep their franchise quarterback happy and provide him with the best possible chance to win. Alienating a star player like Hendrickson, especially one Burrow openly champions, could create unnecessary friction in the locker room and potentially affect team morale.
4. “Win Now” Mentality: The Bengals are in their Super Bowl window. With Burrow, Chase, and Higgins locked in, they have the offensive foundation. Losing a player of Hendrickson’s caliber on defense would be a massive blow to their “win now” aspirations. Burrow embodies this “win now” mentality more than anyone, and he knows that trading or losing Hendrickson weakens the team’s immediate chances. The defense, which was a point of concern in 2024, cannot afford to lose its most dominant pass rusher.
5. Building and Maintaining Chemistry: While the NFL is a business, chemistry matters. Hendrickson has been a foundational piece of the Bengals’ defensive resurgence. Keeping him around maintains continuity and a veteran presence crucial for developing younger defensive players. Burrow values this stability and cohesiveness.

The Dynamics of Negotiation: What’s Next?

The Bengals and Hendrickson’s camp are currently in a delicate dance. Hendrickson has made it clear he won’t play on his current deal, even hinting at missing games or the entire 2025 season. The Bengals have reportedly been looking for significant trade compensation, indicating their high valuation of him even amidst the dispute.

The public statements from Hendrickson, citing “lack of communication” and the situation becoming “personal,” highlight the strained relationship. However, the underlying need for each other remains. The Bengals need Hendrickson’s elite pass-rushing ability to contend, and Hendrickson needs a fair deal to secure his financial future.

This is where Burrow’s influence becomes paramount. While he won’t be in the negotiation room, his consistent, public endorsement of Hendrickson’s value and his desire to keep the core group together sends a powerful message to the front office. It frames the decision not just as a financial one, but as a strategic one for the team’s immediate and long-term success.

The Unlikely Resolution: Trusting the Process (and Burrow)

Ultimately, an NFL insider’s belief that a deal will get done is rooted in the understanding that the Bengals, despite their cautious approach, cannot afford to lose a talent like Hendrickson, especially with Burrow leading the charge. The cost of replacing his 17.5 sacks is immense, both in terms of draft capital and free agency spending.

The resolution will likely involve a new, multi-year deal for Hendrickson that offers him a significant raise and some long-term security, even if it falls slightly short of the absolute top of the market for edge rushers entering their prime. The Bengals will likely look for a structure that spreads out the cap hit.

In this high-stakes game of contract negotiations, it’s the quiet yet powerful voice of Joe Burrow that might ultimately tip the scales, ensuring that Trey Hendrickson continues to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks in Cincinnati, all while helping the Bengals pursue their Super Bowl dreams. The franchise knows that keeping their MVP quarterback happy, both on and off the field, is the surest path to sustained success.