Overview

• Hendrickson ended his seven-day holdout by reporting to camp on Wednesday, halting up to $350,000 in accrued fines under the NFL’s collective bargaining rules.
• The All-Pro edge rusher has yet to sign a new deal and did not take part in practice drills while talks continue.
• The lone sticking point in extension talks is a $6 million to $10 million shortfall in guarantees beyond the 2026 season.
• Hendrickson led the NFL with 17.5 sacks last year and has 35 sacks over the past two seasons, bolstering his leverage in negotiations.
• Cincinnati’s cap is constrained by recent long-term deals for Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, limiting its willingness to commit additional guarantees