Bengals Beat Podcast Live, with Mike Gesicki and Kurt Reiber
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki joins beat reporter Kelsey Conway to promote the Freestore Foodbank’s annual Taste of the Bengals event.
ESPN’s Laura Rutledge reported before the start of the Cincinnati Bengals‘ NFL preseason game against the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, that defensive end Trey Hendrickson and the team have agreed on the years and total dollar amount for a new contract, but not on guaranteed money.
“(Hendrickson) reiterated that guaranteed money is the holdup in these contract negotiations,” Rutledge said during the broadcast. “They agreed, he said, on the average salary. They agree on the years. But Hendrickson believes his play warrants more guaranteed money than what the Bengals want to pay even though he turns 31 in December. Now Hendrickson also confirmed that there has been no progress here, and he’s prepared to sit out if needed. It’s also worth noting that there’s been no progress on any trades either. That hasn’t even gotten close. Hendrickson wanted to make it very clear though: He said, ‘I don’t feel sorry for myself.’ His quote was, ‘I’m a very blessed man.’ … He also pointed to the Bengals’ logo on his shirt and said, ‘This place means a lot to me. I’m still wearing this logo proudly.’ … And he just wants to do the very best he can to help his defense out.”
Hendrickson made the trip with the team for the game Monday night, but did not play. He was seen having a lengthy conversation on the sideline with director of player personnel Duke Tobin.
He also did not play in the Bengals’ first preseason game against Philadelphia.
“What do you say to Bengals’ fans who are nervous about Trey Hendrickson right now, Ja’Marr?” Rich Eisen asked Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase on “SportsCenter” after the game.
“There’s a lot of nervousness going on,” Chase responded. “There’s a lot going on on both sides. I don’t really know much of what’s going on. All I can say is I hope the best for Trey. I just hope the Cincinnati fans can stay with us and just stay positive. That’s the only thing we can do.”
The Bengals reportedly are listening to trade offers for Hendrickson, with Carolina, Cleveland and Indianapolis among teams having shown interest in the 2024 NFL sacks leader.
In July, ESPN’s “Get Up” teed off on the Bengals’ defense despite offseason additions through free agency and the draft as well as key players returning from injury, during an update about Hendrickson’s negotiations with the team.
Hendrickson turned his holdout into a hold-in as he arrived at training camp July 30.