Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson showing up at practice and giving a 20-minute interview about his contract drama with the team commanded the attention of the NFL.

That includes direct rivals such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, who probably aren’t all that upset about the standoff between the NFL’s sack leader and a team that can’t afford to be without him.

Steelers star Cameron Heyward even joked about the situation when asked on an episode of “Not Just Football with Cam Heyward” recently.

“They don’t have enough money,” Heyward said. “I dare you to go pay him.”

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If nothing else, it speaks to the perception of the Bengals right now nationally. The longer the Hendrickson drama continues, the more the goodwill from paying up big for Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins fades.

It’s not that simple, of course. The Bengals agree Hendrickson is underpaid and want a new deal for him. But he’s under contract for one more year after signing a recent short-term extension and has threatened holdouts and retirements in past years that haven’t come to fruition. The fact he’s 30 years old throws more leverage to the team, as he’s unlikely to sit out. But apparent promises about contract extensions and a lack of communication from the team has turned things ugly, publicly.

As always, it’s on the Bengals to sort matters like these out to steer public perception in better directions. But until then, rivals and everyone else will have their say like this.

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