Four-year NFL veteran defensive lineman Trey Hendrickson signed a new contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. Hendrickson spent the first four seasons of his career with the New Orleans Saints.
The #Bengals are signing DE Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $60 million contract with $32 million in the first two years, per source. Huge deal for one of last season's breakout stars. 💰💰
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 16, 2021
The #Bengals are expected to sign former #Saints pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson, source said. They replace Carl Lawson with the one of the NFL’s leaders in sacks last season.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2021
Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals, Agree to Contract
Hendrickson had a breakout season with the Saints in 2020. The defensive end led the team with 13.5 sacks, good enough to finish second in the league among all defensive players. A key part to an improved Saints defense, Hendrickson’s development made him one of the top pass rushers available in this year’s free agency class.
Hendrickson’s play surged in a contract year. He sacked the quarterback more times in 2020 than his first three years in the league total. It was also the star pass-rushers healthiest season as Hendrickson only missed one game in 2020. A neck injury in Week 16 was the only thing to prevent him from starting all 16 games for the first time in his career.
Hendrickson’s first three seasons in the league were marred with injuries and inconsistent play. He showcased his potential on opening day in 2019 as he recorded two sacks on Monday Night Football. However, he only compiled another 2.5 sacks the rest of the campaign. Hendrickson battled for playing time on a deep New Orleans defensive line. In his first two seasons, Hendrickson played as a back-up, limiting his production to two sacks.
The Saints selected Hendrickson 103rd overall in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. The pick was part of the Saints trade with the New England Patriots that saw Brandin Cooks leave New Orleans for Foxborough. Hendrickson worked his way up draft boards after an impressive showing at the NFL Combine and Florida Atlantic pro day. He was also named defensive player of the game at the 2017 East-West Shrine Bowl.
His impressive size and athleticism allowed Hendrickson to dominate at the Conference-USA level. Hendrickson was named C-USA Player of the Year in his final season in college, 2016.
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