Overview

• Both sides have agreed on contract length and total value but remain $6–10 million apart on guaranteed money.
• Hendrickson is absent from camp, training in Florida and incurring $50,000 in daily fines.
• Cincinnati insists on its policy of limiting guarantees beyond the first year—a stance only relaxed for Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase.
• The dispute has strained relations between the pass rusher and head coach Zac Taylor, turning contract talks personal.
• Resolving the impasse is critical as the team carries over $30 million in cap space and finalizes its roster for the season.