**Bengals Star Trey Hendrickson Absent from Training Camp Amid Contract Talks**
Cincinnati Bengals veteran pass rusher Trey Hendrickson was notably absent as players reported to training camp this week, as he continues to seek a contract extension. ESPN confirmed that Hendrickson did not arrive at camp, which officially begins on Wednesday, and it appears he is currently not in Ohio.
On Tuesday, Hendrickson shared a photo on Instagram showing him driving on a highway in Florida, his home state, although his exact destination at the time remains unclear. The 30-year-old defensive end has skipped all offseason activities leading up to training camp, having earned First-team All-Pro honors last season with an impressive 17.5 sacks, leading the NFL.
Hendrickson’s contract is set to expire in 2025, and negotiations for an extension have reportedly stalled over the amount of guaranteed money after the first year of the deal. This impasse comes in the wake of other high-profile pass rushers securing lucrative contracts this offseason. Notably, Myles Garrett received a record extension in March, which included approximately $123.5 million in guarantees, briefly making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league until T.J. Watt surpassed that deal last week with a new agreement with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In May, Hendrickson was present in Cincinnati for offseason workouts, where he expressed to reporters his reluctance to play under the current terms of his contract. Bengals team president Mike Brown acknowledged Hendrickson’s strong negotiating stance, stating, “We like Trey as a person… but when it comes to these negotiations, he pushes hard. He gets emotional.” Brown remains optimistic that a resolution will be reached, noting, “It always gets done, and I think this one will.”
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor provided an update on the situation, mentioning that Hendrickson is not the only player facing contract disputes, as rookie defensive lineman Shemar Stewart has also refused to report to training camp. Taylor highlighted the differences between the two situations, emphasizing that rookies like Stewart have not yet proven themselves at the professional level, making any missed time critical for their development.
As the Bengals prepare for the upcoming season, the resolution of Hendrickson’s contract situation will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
**FAQ**
**Q: Why is Trey Hendrickson absent from Bengals training camp?**
A: Trey Hendrickson is absent from training camp as he seeks a contract extension, having not reached an agreement with the Bengals regarding guaranteed money in a potential new deal.
