The Cincinnati Bengals have extended the contracts of their top three offensive players in the past two years, giving massive deals to quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Some analysts have viewed this as fiscally irresponsible, but the Bengals’ front office believes they have put themselves in position to have one of the best offenses in the NFL for the foreseeable future.
Of course, this has left limited salary cap space for their top players at other positions, especially on defense.
Star defensive end Trey Hendrickson is sitting out offseason camp, trying to get his own extension.
Burrow was asked if Hendirckson’s situation is a distraction, and he gave a brief yet telling response.
“Of course,” Burrow said, via Marshall Kramsky of WCPO 9.
Is Trey Hendrickson's situation a distraction?
Joe Burrow: "Of course." #Bengals @WCPO pic.twitter.com/7yihKGkO2E
— Marshall Kramsky (@marshallkramsky) June 10, 2025
Burrow and his receivers got paid market value for their positions, and Hendrickson is an incredibly valuable part of the defense.
If he doesn’t get paid soon, things could get ugly in the locker room, especially considering that the offensive players got paid handsomely.
It will be interesting to see how this situation evolves heading toward training camp, and if Hendrickson is on the field when the regular season starts.
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