Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson made it clear not all that long ago that he wants to control the narrative during his contract standoff.
Hence, one day removed from the Bengals expressing optimism about the outlook, Hendrickson posted on social media about going back to Florida while reporters got wind of contract talks falling apart.
Now, Hendrickson had a lengthy conversation with The Athletic’s Dianna Russini and dished on lots around the subject, including a desire to be a team captain and mentor:
“I was more than willing to take less in some ways in order to make a deal work to accommodate the presented needs. I verbalized to the Bengals that I wanted to be a captain, to lead a young defense. And once rookie Shemar Stewart gets back at camp, I want to pass along the knowledge that I have, just like Cam Jordan once did for me. As I see it, Shemar and I are not competitors, we’re teammates. I’m excited to go to work with him when the time comes.”
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Long story short, as reported, the new contract offers from the Bengals didn’t offer the guaranteed money Hedrickson wants beyond the first year.
Other than that, Hendrickson’s message is one of not wanting to cause distractions while also leaning into his available leverage during this standoff.
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This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Trey Hendrickson tells all on contract standoff with Bengals
Reporting by Chris Roling, Bengals Wire / Bengals Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
