Bengals slammed by NFL stars over handling of Trey Hendrickson contract

The Cincinnati Bengals are doing everything they can to bungle things with star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson.

The 2024 sacks leader, Hendrickson is looking for a new deal that pays him what he's worth, but the Bengals don't seem interested in doing that.

Hendrickson has aired his grievances publicly on multiple occasions this offseason, with the list including poor communication from the Bengals, broken promises, and even a threat from head coach Zac Taylor to fine him if he doesn't show up for mandatory minicamp, which came 30 days out from the event.

It has now gotten to the point where Hendrickson admits he will not play if he does not get the contract extension he's seeking, which only opens the door more for a trade.

As the Bengals continue their masterclass on how to screw things up with a star player, some current and former NFL stars have come to Hendrickson's defense.

"Teams want to treat it like a business, but don't like it when players do the same," J.J. Watt posted on social media.

"Pay him for services rendered!!!" New Orleans Saints veteran EDGE Cameron Jordan replied to Watt. "They could've took care of him last (year)! And he went DPOY worthy."

"JJ the next excuse these teams can no longer use is AGE!!!" Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy said. "Numbers are Numbers!! Trey deserves his cash money and will continue to ball except for 2 games this season!"

The Bengals' approach here just makes no sense.

Their defense was the culprit in the team missing the playoffs in 2024 and parting ways with one of the game's best edge rushers would be a mind-boggling move.

It's even more bizarre when you consider that Cincinnati had no issue overpaying an injury-prone No. 2 wide receiver in Tee Higgins, who is far less valuable than Hendrickson, who has more sacks than any player in the NFL since 2023.

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