Bengals get good news amid $50 million contract projection for Trey Hendrickson

The Cincinnati Bengals are entering an offseason with a lot of needs, most of which reside on the defensive side of the ball.

With Trey Hendrickson hitting free agency, it wouldn't be surprising if he returned to Cincinnati. But, according to Mason Cameron of PFF.com, Hendrickson is projected to land a $50 million contract this offseason.

While it's not a cheap deal, this is actually some good news for the Bengals. Hendrickson isn't likely to return, so the standout pass rusher landing the biggest deal possible is what fans should be rooting for this offseason.

Why $50M contract projection for Trey Hendrickson is good news for Bengals

"Projected contract: Two years, $50.89 million," Cameron projected. "Regardless of age, Hendrickson has more left in the tank and will elicit many lucrative free agent offers."

The 31-year-old pass rusher, coming off a tough injury during the 2025 season that forced him to play just seven games, wouldn't be a surprise if his offers weren't great.

But his back-to-back 17.5 sack seasons in 2023 and 2024 are more than good enough to give teams reason to spend a bit on Hendrickson this offseason.

Landing a deal like the one Cameron projects, $50.85 million over two years, or $25.425 million AAV, would be great news for the Bengals.

With the contract dispute between Hendrickson and the Bengals at the beginning of the year in mind, the two sides are likely heading for a split this offseason.

More: Bengals could let Trey Hendrickson walk to sign different pass rusher on prove-it deal

And if the Bengals aren't going to re-sign the standout pass rusher, his landing the biggest deal possible would be great for the Bengals for one reason: Compensatory picks.

If Hendrickson signs for this $50.85 million deal, the Bengals would very likely land a third-round compensatory pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. That's a valuable selection, as it would either be inside the top 100 picks or just outside of it.

Hendrickson is a four-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro, with all of those accolades coming in his five-year Bengals career.

It's been a good stint, but now, Hendrickson is likely to walk. But if this projected contract hits, then the Bengals will be in a good spot with his departure.

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