On Thursday, the Pittsburgh Steelers made pass rusher TJ Watt the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history. What does his 3-year, $123 million contract mean for the Cincinnati Bengals in their negotiations with Trey Hendrickson?
Trey Hendrickson Still Waiting On Bengals To Up Their Offer
Based on the numbers, there hasn’t been a more effective pass rusher over the past two seasons than Hendrickson. He’s posted 17.5 sacks in each of the past two seasons, leading the NFL in 2024 and finishing second in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
The #Steelers and TJ Watt have agreed on a 3-year, $123M extension, per multiple reports.
He is now the league's highest-paid defender pic.twitter.com/d55Vi88xT0
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) July 17, 2025
He is looking to get paid an amount that reflects his production. Hendrickson is set to earn about $15.8 million in 2025, but feels as though he deserves to be in the company of some of the highest paid players at his position. His contract negotiation has been one of the top stories of the offseason, and the two sides remain at an impasse as the start of training camp rapidly approaches.
We have already seen big money handed out this offseason at the position, which has set the market for Hendrickson. Maxx Crosby signed a deal that pays him $35.5 million annually, while Miles Garrett inked a contract worth $40 million per.
Now, with the news of Watt earning a $41 million per year pay day, the Bengals are likely seeing an increase in Hendrickson’s asking price.
How Much Is Hendrickson Asking For?
While he may not be looking to top Watt and Garrett, Trey Hendrickson won’t be far off when he finally gets his money. It is assumed that he is looking for a value somewhere in the $34 – $36 million range, which would put him on par with Crosby, Nick Bosa, and Danielle Hunter.
Based on reports, the best offer that the Bengals have put forth is a $28 million deal, which Hendrickson has obviously declined.
Trey Hendrickson has said he’s not asking for Myles Garrett and now TJ Watt type of money.
But, he’s certainly got to believe he should be in ballpark that’s respectable to that number given his production the last three years.
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) July 17, 2025
Where does Cincinnati’s front office go from here? In the midst of the negotiations, Hendrickson has asked for a trade on two separate occasions, with the first instance being in 2024. That option is still very likely on the table, especially given the contracts that have been handed out across the league this offseason.
The Bengals already doled out big bucks back in the spring when they signed Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, so it remains to be seen how much they’re willing to spend in a single offseason.
