DEAL ACCEPTED: Cincinnati Bengals Defensive End, Trey Hendrickson Signs a 4………..

BREAKING NEWS: DEAL ACCEPTED — Cincinnati Bengals Defensive End Trey Hendrickson Signs 4-Year, $92 Million Deal With the Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City, MO – June 5, 2025

In a stunning AFC shake-up that could tilt the power balance of the conference, Trey Hendrickson, one of the league’s premier pass rushers, has signed a 4-year, $92 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, leaving the Cincinnati Bengals after a highly productive four-season run.

The deal, finalized late Wednesday night, includes $65 million guaranteed and a $20 million signing bonus, sources confirm. Hendrickson, 30, now joins a defensive unit that already boasts rising stars like George Karlaftis and Trent McDuffie, instantly boosting the Chiefs’ front seven as they look to extend their dynasty.

A Shocking Exit from Cincinnati

Hendrickson’s departure from the Bengals comes as a major surprise. Despite rumblings of contract frustrations and offseason trade rumors, many believed Cincinnati would find a way to retain the All-Pro defensive end, whose production has been central to the team’s success since 2021.

Hendrickson registered 53.5 sacks over four years with the Bengals, including double-digit totals in three straight seasons. He was widely viewed as a leader in the locker room and the emotional engine of the Bengals’ aggressive defense.

But in recent months, negotiations on an extension reportedly stalled, and Hendrickson — entering the final year of his deal — requested clarity on his future.

“I gave everything to Cincinnati, and I’ll always be grateful,” Hendrickson said in a statement. “But this is a business. And now, I’m excited to win even more in Kansas City.”

Kansas City Loads Up for Another Run

For the reigning Super Bowl champions, the signing of Hendrickson is a statement of intent. After losing veteran defensive end Charles Omenihu to injury and facing salary cap pressure, many expected the Chiefs to lean on internal development. Instead, they’ve landed one of the NFL’s most disruptive edge rushers.

“Trey is exactly the kind of player we love — relentless, smart, and physical,” said Chiefs GM Brett Veach. “He’s going to bring fire to our pass rush and help us dominate late in games.”

Head coach Andy Reid added:

“He fits right in with what we do here. He knows how to win, and that’s what we’re about.”

Contract Details & Cap Implications

Hendrickson’s 4-year, $92 million deal makes him one of the top-paid defensive ends in the league, just behind Myles Garrett and Nick Bosa in annual average value. The structure is front-loaded, with $38 million paid out over the first 18 months.

Kansas City cleared cap space earlier this week by restructuring Travis Kelce’s deal and parting ways with veteran linebacker Willie Gay Jr., signaling a big move was imminent.

Bengals Fans Left Reeling

The news hit hard in Cincinnati, where Hendrickson was seen as a cornerstone of the team’s defensive identity. His high motor, clutch sacks, and leadership were crucial in the Bengals’ 2021 Super Bowl run and continued postseason pushes.

Fans took to social media immediately:

“We just let our best defensive player walk — to the team that keeps beating us,” one fan posted on X.
“Trey Hendrickson deserves better. And so do we,” another said.

The Bengals now face pressure to fill a massive gap on the edge, with only Joseph Ossai, rookie Laiatu Latu, and veteran Sam Hubbard currently under contract.

Message to Coach Zac Taylor?

In an unexpected twist, sources close to Hendrickson’s camp say he sent a personal message to Bengals head coach Zac Taylor and the entire team following his departure — and it wasn’t just a thank-you note.

According to insiders, Hendrickson’s message included a clear sentiment:

“I wanted to stay. I wanted to win here. But when you hesitate on players who give everything — someone else will believe.”

The quote has reportedly circulated in Bengals circles and may add fuel to the already fiery AFC rivalry between Cincinnati and Kansas City.

AFC Arms Race

The signing only intensifies the ongoing arms race between the Chiefs, Bengals, Bills, and Ravens — all teams with Super Bowl aspirations and volatile offseason storylines.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport called it “a rare power move” from Kansas City:

“When the Chiefs get pushed, they push harder. This signing says, ‘You’re not catching us.’”

Final Thoughts

Trey Hendrickson’s move to Kansas City doesn’t just reshape a defense — it reshapes the AFC. The Chiefs just got nastier in the trenches, and the Bengals just lost one of their toughest warriors.

As the 2025 season approaches, one thing is certain: the next time these two teams meet, it won’t just be another game. It’ll be personal.

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