Contract disputes haven't kept Hendrickson at a distance from the team. According to ESPN's Ben Baby, amid the uncertainty, he has taken an active role mentoring the Bengals' younger defensive linemen, particularly Shemar Stewart, the 2025 NFL draft's 17th pick.

Myles Garrett requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns, who answered back with a record-setting contract extension. The Bengals might be playing hardball, but they will likely have to produce a contract around the same amount as Garrett's to keep Hendrickson from walking out of the building.

According to Sports Illustrated senior NFL writer Albert Breer, the Bengals have received trade offers and are seeking a defensive player and a draft pick in return. Breer added that the Bengals have offered Hendrickson a contract that has a “massive” annual value, but it does not have the guarantees that Hendrickson is seeking.