Trey Hendrickson signed as a free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021. The $60 million investment in him turned out to be an excellent decision for the franchise, as the star defensive end has been crucial in their successful run with Joe Burrow.

Hendrickson requested a trade last year before playing during the season and leading the NFL in sacks. He’s dramatically underpaid compared to his production, but the fact he’s hovering around the age of 30 and the Bengals have other big names to pay complicates things.

It’s rare for a player of Hendrickson’s caliber to play on expiring deal without any long-term security, which is why this is a pressing matter for both sides. Bengals director of personnel Duke Tobin told The Enquirer the team recognizes they need to give Hendrickson a raise in an exclusive interview at the Senior Bowl last week.