Trey Hendrickson Risks Six-Figure Fines in Bengals Standoff, Sparks Fan Backlash

Trey Hendrickson’s Holdout Highlights Bigger Problems for the Bengals

Trey Hendrickson, the Cincinnati Bengals’ elite edge rusher and reigning sack leader, has decided to skip the team’s mandatory minicamp, signaling major discontent with his current contract.¹

This bold move has not gone unnoticed. By forgoing the three-day camp, Hendrickson risks being fined over $100,000—an amount that’s clearly not enough to dissuade him from pushing for a deal he believes he deserves.

His absence sends a clear message: he wants to be paid like the cornerstone defensive player he is. In his mind, joining the likes of Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins—who are all either locked into or seeking massive extensions—is only fair.

Hendrickson’s importance on the field is unquestionable, but the drama off the field could cast a long shadow over the Bengals’ 2025 campaign.

Pacers are unreal

— T r e y (@_TreySap) June 6, 2025

The Cost of Skipping Camp: Dollars vs. Leverage

According to NFL insider Field Yates, Hendrickson is on the hook for over $100,000 in fines if he misses all three minicamp days.

For many players, especially those not on lucrative deals, this would be a steep penalty. But Hendrickson appears willing to absorb the hit if it ultimately results in a more favorable contract extension.

From his perspective, the short-term financial sacrifice could pay off in the form of long-term security. It’s a gamble, yes—but one that elite players in the NFL have pulled off before. The question now becomes: will the Bengals flinch?

Trey Hendrickson: Fan Reactions

Divided Loyalties and Hot Takes

As is often the case with high-profile contract disputes, fan opinions are sharply divided. Some have taken to social media to voice their frustration with Hendrickson’s decision.²

Phrases like “selfish” and “he’s a Packer” filled the replies under tweets reporting his absence. The implication? If Hendrickson isn’t happy in Cincinnati, some believe he might soon find a new home—perhaps even in Green Bay.

On the other side, some fans sympathize with the star defender. They understand that football is also a business.

In a league where careers are short and injuries can derail futures instantly, holding out for the right deal is a power play that has become increasingly common.

Joe Burrow’s Diplomacy: Walking the Leadership Tightrope

Quarterback Joe Burrow, the face of the franchise, addressed the issue in a measured and supportive tone. Speaking about Hendrickson’s absence, Burrow said, “We’re all supporting Trey and would love for him to be back.”

This is classic Burrow: diplomatic, team-oriented, and careful not to fan the flames. Still, his words reveal the underlying tension.

The locker room undoubtedly feels the strain, especially when a player as crucial as Hendrickson isn’t there preparing with the team. It’s a distraction no team wants heading into a critical season.

Not Just Trey: Shemar Stewart Joins the Chorus of Discontent

Trey Hendrickson isn’t the only Bengals defender raising eyebrows. Rookie Shemar Stewart, a highly-touted pass rusher, also made headlines—not by skipping minicamp, but by showing up and sitting out.

Stewart’s decision stems from his own dissatisfaction with his rookie contract, which he believes is unreasonably restrictive given his potential and market value.

In a blunt media appearance, Stewart didn’t mince words. “I’ve been doing this most of my life, and then all of a sudden it’s gone over something very simple to fix,” he said.

Though he stopped short of explicitly attacking the organization, the message was clear: he believes management is more interested in ‘winning arguments’ than winning games.

The Bengals’ Growing Culture Clash: Old-School Management vs. Modern Players

The double-barreled contract drama of Hendrickson and Stewart exposes a potentially growing divide in the Bengals’ front office approach.

Cincinnati, long known for operating conservatively under owner Mike Brown, has often hesitated to spend top dollar unless absolutely necessary.

But in today’s NFL, where player empowerment is at an all-time high, such a cautious approach might backfire.

Players expect to be rewarded promptly for their contributions, especially when their production speaks volumes.

The Bengals, however, appear reluctant to bend, even for proven stars.

This clash of ideologies could threaten to destabilize what should be a Super Bowl-contending roster.

Trey Hendrickson: Risking the Season

Can the Bengals Afford to Lose Their Sack Leader?

In purely football terms, the Bengals simply cannot afford to lose Trey Hendrickson. Over the past few seasons, he has been a disruptive force on the defensive line, tallying sacks, pressures, and quarterback hits at an elite rate.³

Without him, Cincinnati’s pass rush becomes drastically less effective. The ripple effect on the defense would be significant—less pressure up front means more strain on the secondary, which is already facing its own challenges.

Losing Hendrickson, even temporarily, would make life harder for defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and the entire unit.

How the Bengals Got Here: A Brief Contract Timeline

Trey Hendrickson originally signed with the Bengals in 2021 on a four-year, $60 million deal. At the time, it was seen as a solid investment in a rising star.

Hendrickson has since outperformed that contract, becoming one of the most feared edge rushers in the league.

The issue? He still has time left on his current deal, and the Bengals may not be in a rush to rework it. From their standpoint, they already paid market value for his services.

From Hendrickson’s standpoint, he’s outplaying his pay and wants to be compensated accordingly.

It’s a classic standoff—one that only ends when either the player concedes, or the team opens its wallet.

The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Other Bengals Stars

Trey Hendrickson’s holdout doesn’t happen in a vacuum. The Bengals are also juggling future deals for Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase, while already committing big money to Joe Burrow.

Financially, they are nearing a crossroads. Prioritizing one player over another can create resentment and fractures in team chemistry.

If the front office doesn’t handle these negotiations delicately, it could lead to further discontent down the road. Stewart’s comments already hint at a larger issue—players are beginning to feel like the organization doesn’t have their best interests at heart.

A Cautionary Tale: Avoiding a Repeat of Past Mistakes

• The Bengals don’t have to look far to find cautionary tales of mismanaged contracts derailing seasons.
• Just ask the Pittsburgh Steelers, whose standoff with Le’Veon Bell led to a lost year, or the Cowboys, who have repeatedly faced contract drama with their stars.
• Letting Hendrickson’s holdout linger into training camp or the preseason would be a major misstep.
• Worse, if the team digs in too hard, they could lose him altogether—either through a trade request or an eventual free-agent exit. That kind of loss could haunt them for years.
• The Bengals have a narrow window in which they can win a Super Bowl with their current core. Joe Burrow is in his prime, and the offense is stacked with elite talent.
• But success in today’s NFL is about more than just Xs and Os—it’s about culture, cohesion, and keeping your best players happy.
• The longer Trey Hendrickson stays away, the louder the questions grow. Can the Bengals afford not to pay him?
• Can they afford to lose another locker room leader? And will Shemar Stewart’s frustrations spark a wider rebellion?
• If Cincinnati wants to keep its championship hopes alive, the front office must act fast—and wisely.