Bengals' reported attitude about Trey Hendrickson contract is concerning

The Cincinnati Bengals are entering the critical days of training camp, and edge rusher Trey Hendrickson is still not present.

Hendrickson and the Bengals are still at odds over a long-term contract extension, and the latest update from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler on Cincinnati's attitude towards the situation is concerning.

During an appearance on Get Up on Tuesday, Fowler stated that there is no heavy momentum on a deal between Hendrickson and the Bengals. The ESPN insider also adds that the superstar edge rusher is still in Florida, and Cincinnati isn't in much of a rush to sign him to an extension.

"Trey Hendrickson remains in Florida," Fowler said. "They're at an impasse. He wants a multi-year deal, but he also wants guaranteed money with that structure. The Bengals are comfortable with a lot of that, and they have some of this deal essentially done. But the Bengals aren't willing to meet the player [Hendrickson] at the guaranteed money. They're remaining in contact, but there is no heavy momentum to get over that last hurdle and get him in Cincinnati."

"The Bengals are counting on over the next six weeks that 'Hey, we have time'. Hendrickson will come in even if we don't get a deal done, and we'll figure something out. But that is a huge gamble for a player who I continue to hear is very dug in and quite comfortable staying in Florida for the short term," Fowler added.

The Bengals have completely botched this situation, and a resolution feels further away than ever.

Hendrickson deserves a lucrative payday after posting 17.5 sacks in two consecutive seasons. However, as ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Monday, Cincinnati isn't willing to pay the four-time Pro Bowler the guaranteed money he wants.

Playing the waiting game and assuming that Hendrickson will show up eventually, even if an extension can't be agreed on, is a risky move by the Bengals. The 30-year-old pass rusher has already stated that he won't play under his current deal in 2025.

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