Hendrickson and the Bengals sit in an incredibly complicated position for a number of reasons, though his age, the recent smaller extensions and threats of holdouts stand tall as big issues. As Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer just wrote, the situation is best summed up as unpredictable right now:

There's still a lot of uncertainty surrounding the Cincinnati Bengals and Trey Hendrickson. The star defensive end has made it clear he won't play the 2025 season on his current deal, which would pay him $16 million. But what's the resolution? No one seems to know.

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer noted the Bengals' contract questions entering training camp this week and the "unpredictable" Trey Hendrickson situation. The star defensive end has been adamant about not playing this season unless he gets a new contract.