Trey Hendrickson isn’t hiding his frustration — and he’s got a familiar face in his corner.
The Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher, fresh off a league-leading sack total last season, opened up to the media about his stalled contract talks. After requesting a trade earlier this offseason and hoping for a new deal that reflects his elite production, Hendrickson now says the lack of communication from the Bengals has made things feel personal.
“I was basically told I’d be fined if I don’t show up to mandatory minicamp,” Hendrickson said. “That tells me nothing’s getting done anytime soon.” He went on to say the silence from the team post-draft made it clear to him and his inner circle — his wife, son, and agent — that his time in Cincinnati may be coming to an end.
Hendrickson added that he’s not apologizing for asking to be paid fairly: “If I had four sacks, they’d want money back. But I didn’t. I led the league. Don’t make me feel bad for that.”
One of the people taking notice? Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone.
Anzalone took to social media to back his former Saints teammate, with whom he spent four seasons in New Orleans. The two were both third-round picks by the Saints in 2017 and know the ups and downs of NFL business all too well.
Anzalone’s message was short but supportive — just a repost of Hendrickson’s story with a simple “This” — a nod that spoke volumes.
As Hendrickson’s situation continues to unravel in Cincinnati, don’t be surprised if more former teammates — or even potential suitors — start speaking up. The NFL’s edge rusher market is booming, and Hendrickson is proving he belongs at the top of it.
Lions’ Anzalone Reacts as Trey Hendrickson Sounds Off on Bengals Standoff
