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Edge Rusher Standoff: Why the Bengals and Cowboys Are Playing a Dangerous Waiting Game with Trey Hendrickson and Micah Parsons

The contract drama surrounding Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson has become one of the NFL offseason’s most talked-about storylines. At 30 years old and entering the final year of his deal, Hendrickson is set to earn around $16 million this season. But he’s made it clear: he’s willing to sit out until the Bengals either offer him a new contract or send him packing via trade.

Meanwhile, in Dallas, the Cowboys are facing a similar predicament with their defensive superstar, Micah Parsons. Parsons is approaching his fifth-year option and scheduled to make $24 million—a number that hardly reflects his value as one of the league’s most dynamic defenders. He’s been pushing for an extension since last year, but the Cowboys, true to form, are dragging their feet. It’s a familiar script—just ask Dak Prescott or CeeDee Lamb, who also had to wait for their paydays.

This strategy is risky, and it’s going to cost both franchises dearly. The longer the Bengals delay with Hendrickson, the higher his price tag climbs—especially once Parsons inevitably resets the market for non-quarterbacks with his own mega-deal.

For Parsons, the contract limbo is nothing but motivation. “I just work harder,” Parsons told PennLive.com on Tuesday. “If people don’t see your value, you don’t cry and sit down. You just work harder. You’ve got to show people your value. That’s the difference. I just go, ‘Okay, bet,’ and I just work.”

Edge Rushers Watching the Market Closely

The going rate for a premier edge rusher in today’s NFL starts at about $35 million per year. Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns currently sets the bar at $40 million annually, and Parsons is poised to eclipse that figure. Hendrickson, on the other hand, is likely eyeing contracts similar to Danielle Hunter ($35.6 million) or Maxx Crosby ($35.5 million).

But is Parsons keeping tabs on Garrett’s deal? Not exactly, he says. “Their numbers have nothing to do with mine, and mine have nothing to do with theirs,” Parsons explained. “I’m younger than Hendrickson. Hutchinson is coming off an injury. Everyone’s circumstances are completely different. Hutchinson’s coming off his third year—usually, guys wait four years. Watt is up there with Myles. So, it’s different. Everyone’s situation is different.”

Bengals Need to Pay Attention

You’d think the Bengals would be watching the edge rusher market closely—and maybe they are. But the way Cincinnati operates, that’s not always a given. Why not offer Hendrickson something in the mid-$30 million range? Is it about contract length? Are they using “we’ve-never-done-this-before” language, like they reportedly are with rookie Shemar Stewart?

Whatever the holdup, Hendrickson’s price isn’t getting any lower. The same goes for Parsons, who’s making Jerry Jones sweat more with each passing day.

Parsons isn’t fazed by Garrett’s contract, though. “Not really, because I’m just going to get mine no matter what,” he said. “The markets change every year. The salary cap went up another 18% this year. If you really want to understand contracts, they’re all based on percentage. Each high-paid player takes a percentage of the salary cap. So, it’s not really about the number—it goes off the cap.”

The Bottom Line

If the Cowboys and Bengals truly want to keep their defensive stars and pay them fairly, waiting makes no sense. Every day they hesitate, the price of doing business just keeps going up.