Bengals Owner Mike Brown on Trey Hendrickson Contract Standoff: 'We Want Him Here'

Strategic Insights -

Bengals owner Mike Brown expressed optimism about the ongoing contract negotiations with Trey Hendrickson, a key pass rusher who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024, despite the impasse between the player and the team. Brown stated that they want Hendrickson to remain with the team and acknowledged that the player deserves a raise, citing his impressive performance in 2024. The Bengals are also dealing with another contract dispute, this time with first-round pass rusher Shemar Stewart, which has left the team's pass rusher situation uncertain.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bengals owner Mike Brown expressed optimism about the contract negotiations with Trey Hendrickson, stating, "We want him here."
  • Hendrickson led the NFL with 17.5 sacks and 92 QB pressures in 2024, and his 35.0 sacks since 2023 are the most in the NFL.
  • The 30-year-old pass rusher is one of five players to have 17-plus sacks in back-to-back seasons all-time (since 1982), joining Reggie White, Richard Dent, J.J. Watt, and Mark Gastineau in this rare feat.
  • Hendrickson has sought long-term security for the past several years but remains without a contract extension.
  • The Bengals also face a contract dispute with first-round pass rusher Shemar Stewart.
  • Brown believes the impasse will eventually reach a conclusion, stating, "It is a negotiation that has reached the level of silliness. We'll have to wait until we get a better result."
  • Brown acknowledged that Hendrickson deserves a raise, citing his impressive performance in 2024.

Statistics:

  • 17.5: Number of sacks Hendrickson led the NFL with in 2024.
  • 30: Hendrickson's age, making him an experienced player in his prime.
  • 35.0: Number of sacks Hendrickson has led the NFL with since 2023.
  • 92: Number of QB pressures Hendrickson led the NFL with in 2024.
  • 5: Number of players to have 17-plus sacks in back-to-back seasons all-time (since 1982), including Hendrickson.
  • $40 million+: The amount Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt each received in their respective contracts.

Sources:

  • NFL.com News article on Bengals owner Mike Brown's statement on Trey Hendrickson contract standoff.
  • Cincinnati Enquirer article on Hendrickson's performance and contract negotiation.
  • Associated Press article on Brown's statement regarding Hendrickson's contract negotiation.
  • Next Gen Stats article on Hendrickson's 2024 performance.