Eagles head coach speaks out about wanting to sign Trey Hendrickson, warns him about lessons from Haason Reddick

Philadelphia, PA – May 18, 2025 – Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni has publicly addressed the situation surrounding Trey Hendrickson, the star defensive end embroiled in a contract dispute with the Cincinnati Bengals. In a press conference today, Sirianni expressed his desire for Hendrickson to join the Eagles if a trade opportunity arises, while cautioning him about the risks of following in the footsteps of former Eagles player Haason Reddick’s failed holdout.

Sirianni’s Call to Action

With the Eagles looking to bolster their defensive line after losing key players like Josh Sweat and Darius Slay in free agency, Sirianni made no secret of his ambition to bring Hendrickson to Philadelphia. “Trey is one of the best edge rushers in the league. We’d love to have talent like his,” Sirianni stated. “But he needs to understand that holding out doesn’t always lead to the outcome you want.”

Hendrickson, 30, is in the final year of his contract with the Bengals, with a base salary of $15.8 million for the 2025 season. He has publicly demanded a long-term deal with a higher salary, but the Bengals have only offered a short-term extension, leading to tensions. Hendrickson has even threatened to sit out games in the upcoming season if no agreement is reached, a move that has drawn comparisons to Reddick.

The Haason Reddick Lesson

Sirianni directly referenced the case of Haason Reddick, a former key defensive player for the Eagles. In 2024, Reddick demanded a new contract but was denied. Rather than allowing Reddick to hold out, the Eagles traded him to the New York Jets. However, Reddick continued to refuse to play in an attempt to pressure the Jets, only securing a slightly adjusted contract and missing valuable playing time. The holdout not only tarnished Reddick’s reputation but also hindered the Jets’ season.

“We saw what happened with Haason,” Sirianni said. “He was a great player, but his decision to hold out cost him more than it gained. I don’t want to see Trey go down that same path. Come here, play, and prove your worth on the field.”

An Opportunity for the Eagles

The Eagles, presumed to have won Super Bowl 59 (note: this is based on speculation as Super Bowl 59 has not yet occurred), are focused on maintaining their dominance. With the departure of veteran defensive players, Hendrickson – who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in the 2024 season – would be an ideal addition. Sources indicate that general manager Howie Roseman has reached out to the Bengals to discuss a potential trade, though no deal has been finalized.

However, Sirianni emphasized that any trade would require commitment from Hendrickson. “We don’t want a player who’s just here to stir things up. Trey needs to be ready to give his all. If he does, Philadelphia is the perfect place for him to shine.”

Community Reaction

Sirianni’s remarks have sparked significant buzz on social media. NFL legend J.J. Watt commented on X: “Trey deserves to be paid what he’s worth, but he needs to be careful. The Eagles are a great team, but a holdout could cost him everything.” Meanwhile, Eagles fans are excited about the prospect of Hendrickson joining the team, with many calling him the “missing piece” to defend their title.

Hendrickson’s Future

Currently, the Bengals are intent on keeping Hendrickson for the 2025 season, but if the contract dispute remains unresolved, the likelihood of a trade will increase. In addition to the Eagles, teams like the Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders, and Detroit Lions are reportedly monitoring the situation.

For Hendrickson, the next decision will be pivotal. Will he choose to play and prove his value, or risk a holdout like Reddick? The answer will become clear as the 2025 NFL season approaches.

About the Philadelphia Eagles: The team is preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft and training camps, aiming to build a formidable roster to defend their crown.