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Ben Child
CINCINNATI — For the primary time for the reason that finish of final season, Cincinnati Bengals defensive finish Trey Hendrickson was engaged on the group’s follow subject.
Wednesday marked the primary time Hendrickson has participated since he signed a restructured contract that netted him a $13 million increase that introduced his wage as much as $29 million for the ultimate yr of his present contract. Hendrickson may additionally earn a further $1 million in incentives to carry his complete wage as much as $30 million.
Earlier than the afternoon follow, Hendrickson missed all of coaching camp and offseason exercises whereas making an attempt to barter a possible contract extension.
Hendrickson suited up after receiving an enormous pay bump in what’s at the moment slated to be the ultimate yr of his contract with the group. However after months of talks with the group, Hendrickson was excited to be again.
“This compromise comes with a large amount of respect for me in direction of them,” he mentioned in entrance of his locker on Wednesday. “I am extremely honored and appreciative that I can play soccer at this stage.”
Earlier than the 2 sides agreed to a brand new deal on Monday, Hendrickson was slated to doubtlessly earn $16 million in money for the 2024 season. All through the offseason, he was adamant that he had no intention of taking part in on that deal. And on the eve of coaching camp, the Bengals’ entrance workplace indicated they needed to present him a increase.
The 2 sides have been at odds over the assured cash on the deal, together with it stretching previous the primary season of any new contract. Other than vast receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who netted an enormous $161 million extension this offseason, Cincinnati traditionally has not given veterans assured cash other than a signing bonus.
Hendrickson mentioned the choice that he agreed to wasn’t beforehand supplied within the negotiation. When it was, he mentioned he was “extremely humbled by it.”
And it offered an avenue for the Bengals and him to work one thing out forward of the season opener on Sept. 7 towards the Cleveland Browns.
“I wish to be part of one thing particular right here,” Hendrickson mentioned. “I’ve vocalized that fairly early and sometimes. Once more, I am unable to write my very own contracts. I believe we would all as gamers love to do this. There wasn’t one which I noticed long run that I’d’ve thought of.”
Hendrickson, 30, is coming off the very best season of his profession. He led the NFL with 17.5 sacks, earned his first Related Press All-Professional choice and reached the Professional Bowl for the fourth straight season since signing with the Bengals through the 2021 free company.
All through his hold-in, which lasted the majority of coaching camp, Hendrickson watched and noticed drills.
“He is invested within the gamers round him,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor mentioned on Tuesday. “He is obtained a whole lot of data he desires to go down.”
On Wednesday, Hendrickson transitioned again right into a taking part in position. When the group wrapped up its stretching interval, he was the primary individual ready to undergo place drills with assistant coach Jerry Montgomery.
“Not that I did not take pleasure in teaching, however that is not what I am right here to do,” Hendrickson mentioned. “[I’m] wanting ahead to getting after quarterbacks.”
