Give Him What He’s Due’ – NFL Veteran Lavonte David Calls For Trey Hendrickson to Get New Deal
Hendrickson wants a fresh contract closer to market rate.
By Russ Heltman | Published May 29, 2025 | 18 Hours Ago
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91), left, and Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard (94) celebrate a sack in the second quarter during a Week 16 NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. / Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Introduction
In the high-stakes world of the NFL, contract negotiations are often as closely watched as the games themselves. Currently, Cincinnati Bengals’ star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson is seeking a new contract that aligns with his market value. Adding fuel to the fire, Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David has publicly voiced his support for Hendrickson, emphasizing his consistent performance and significant impact on the field. This article delves into David’s endorsement, Hendrickson’s current contract situation, and what it all means for the Bengals as they approach mandatory minicamp.
The article explores Lavonte David’s perspective on Trey Hendrickson’s contract situation, highlighting Hendrickson’s consistent performance and value to the Bengals. It also examines Hendrickson’s statistical dominance and the implications of his absence from mandatory minicamp as he seeks a new deal.
Lavonte David’s Endorsement of Trey Hendrickson
Lavonte David, a seasoned 13-year NFL veteran, has witnessed Trey Hendrickson’s capabilities firsthand. During a recent appearance on Up & Adams with Kay Adams, David advocated for Hendrickson to receive a new contract, emphasizing his consistent ability to generate sacks and pressures. David recalled Hendrickson’s impactful performances even during his rookie years with the Saints, noting his ability to disrupt offenses and create havoc. “I feel like he’s a consistent player, and I feel like, you know, he’s still going to bring those sacks and those pressures that the team needs and continue to be a key player for them,” David stated. “Because I just remember when he was playing with the Saints, he was dominating us as a rookie, creating havoc and things like that. And he’s still doing it right now to this day. So that’s the main thing for me, if you see a guy who’s consistently improving and improving, people should give him what he’s due.” David’s endorsement underscores the respect Hendrickson has garnered from his peers.
Trey Hendrickson’s Dominance on the Defensive Line
Trey Hendrickson has solidified his position as a cornerstone of the Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive line. His relentless pursuit of quarterbacks and ability to disrupt plays have made him an invaluable asset to the team. In the 2024 season, Hendrickson’s impact was particularly noteworthy, as he consistently outperformed his peers in creating sack opportunities for himself and his teammates. According to ESPN, Hendrickson created 26 sacks, a staggering 11.5 more than any other player in the league. Furthermore, he stands alone as the only player to have generated 20 or more sacks since ESPN began tracking this metric in 2017. These statistics highlight Hendrickson’s unique ability to not only record sacks himself but also to enhance the performance of those around him, making him a player the Bengals can’t afford to lose.
Hendrickson’s Contract Standoff with the Bengals
As mandatory minicamp approaches, the absence of Trey Hendrickson from team activities signals a potential standoff between the player and the Bengals’ management. Hendrickson is seeking a contract that reflects his market value and acknowledges his contributions to the team’s defensive prowess. The Bengals face a critical decision: meet Hendrickson’s demands or risk losing a key player who has consistently delivered exceptional performance. The outcome of these negotiations will likely have significant implications for the Bengals’ defensive capabilities and their overall competitiveness in the upcoming season.
The Implications of Hendrickson’s Absence
Hendrickson’s absence from mandatory minicamp is a clear indicator of the seriousness of his contract demands. By choosing to stay away from team activities, Hendrickson is signaling his resolve and putting pressure on the Bengals to address his concerns. This situation creates a sense of uncertainty around the team as they prepare for the upcoming season. While the Bengals have other talented players on their roster, Hendrickson’s unique skill set and leadership on the defensive line make him difficult to replace. His absence could disrupt team chemistry and impact the overall effectiveness of the Bengals’ defense.
The Bengals’ Perspective and Options
The Bengals’ front office faces a complex challenge in navigating Trey Hendrickson’s contract negotiations. On one hand, they recognize Hendrickson’s value and the significant role he plays in their defensive scheme. On the other hand, they must also consider the long-term financial implications of offering him a new contract, ensuring that it aligns with their overall salary cap strategy. The Bengals have several options to consider, including renegotiating Hendrickson’s existing contract, offering him a new deal that meets his market value, or exploring potential trade scenarios. Each of these options comes with its own set of risks and rewards, and the Bengals must carefully weigh the potential outcomes before making a final decision.
Conclusion
Trey Hendrickson’s quest for a new contract has garnered support from NFL veteran Lavonte David, underscoring Hendrickson’s consistent performance and value to the Cincinnati Bengals. As mandatory minicamp approaches, the Bengals face a pivotal decision that will shape the future of their defense. Whether they choose to meet Hendrickson’s demands or explore other options, the outcome of these negotiations will undoubtedly have significant implications for the team’s competitiveness and success in the upcoming seasons.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges NFL teams face in balancing player demands with long-term financial stability. The Bengals’ decision will set a precedent for future contract negotiations and could impact their ability to retain key players. Ultimately, the team’s success will depend on their ability to navigate these challenges and build a roster that can consistently compete at the highest level.
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