Exclusive: Trey Hendrickson's Choice to Skip Bengals Training Camp

CINCINNATI — Trey Hendrickson, a defensive end for the Bengals, was absent from the team's training camp at Paycor Stadium. Instead, he was in Florida, as indicated by a social media post showing the sunrise. Hendrickson explained that he was training in Jacksonville and had received contract offers from the team that did not meet his expectations for guarantees. He expressed a desire to avoid being a distraction to his teammates and emphasized his willingness to work with rookie player Shemar Stewart once he returns to camp.

Bengals owner Mike Brown expressed optimism about reaching a new agreement with Hendrickson. He acknowledged the challenges of negotiating with Hendrickson but stated that they have always reached a resolution in the past. Hendrickson praised Brown's character and expressed his commitment to remaining in Cincinnati to maintain his positive relationship with head coach Zac Taylor.

Hendrickson, who is 30 years old, has been in contract negotiations with the Bengals throughout the offseason. The team's director of player personnel, Duke Tobin, reiterated the team's intention to extend Hendrickson's contract and provide a raise. The main points of contention are the length of the extension and the guaranteed money in the raise.

Despite the ongoing negotiations, the Bengals are preparing for the upcoming season with a new defensive coordinator and the absence of Hendrickson and unsigned first-round pick Shemar Stewart. Tobin emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement with Hendrickson but noted that the team values his contributions and views him as a key part of the roster.