Pacman Jones can answer the question about Cincinnati edge rusher Trey Hendrickson’s contract before it’s finished.
“It’s going to get done,” Jones told Sporting News. “It’s gonna get done. I told y’all that the rookie (Shemar Stewart) would get done. Trey will get done – I think it will get done before this time next week, if I had to guess.”
Hendrickson – who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks for the Bengals last season – missed seven days of training camp and was fined $50,000 per day. He’s still re-negotiating his contract – which has been a polarizing topic in Cincinnati this offseason.
Jones signed a multi-year contract with BetOnline to continue hosting his podcast “Politely Raw! The Pacman Jones Show.” He played cornerback for the Bengals from 2010-17 – is not shy when offering opinions about his former team. It’s not the take you would expect.
Jones addressed Hendrickson’s contract, rookie Shemar Stewart’s contract, Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ outlook for 2025 with SN.
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Pacman Jones weighs in on Trey Hendrickson, Shemar Stewart contracts
Jones understands both sides of the contract situation – but he will not criticize Bengals owner Mike Brown, who does not re-negotiate player contracts often. Hendrickson is finishing a three-year extension and will be unrestricted free agent in 2026. He will make $21 million this season.
“People don’t really know Mr. Brown because he hardly ever says something, and it’s easy to take a quote and make it whatever you want to make because you don’t have a relationship with him, you know what I mean?” Jones said. “I think a lot of that was taken out of proportion because of how Mr. Brown is.”
Jones also understands the predicament for both sides. Quarterback Joe Burrow signed a five-year, $275 million contract that runs through 2029. This offseason, Cincinnati signed receiver Ja’Marr Chase to a four-year, $161 million deal and receiver Tee Higgins to a four-year, $115 million deal.
“We’re talking about a guy who wants more money who was already under contract, not whose contract was up,” Jones said. “I think that’s the biggest point. Does he deserve more money? Hell yeah, he deserves more money. Has anybody done what he’s done with 17 sacks? No, they haven’t, but you’re paying three guys (large contracts) so it takes some time to get it all the way done.
“Trey wants it, and at the end of the day I think they’ll get it done,” Jones said. “I don’t see Mr. Brown letting Trey get away from here.”
Rookie Shemar Stewart signed a four-year, $18.97 million contract and is in training camp. That ended a dispute during OTAs about language in his contract that could have voided guaranteed money. Stewart – a 6-foot-6, 285-pound defensive lineman from Texas A&M – adds another much-needed pass-rushing presence. Jones sees the potential for a “great duo” with Hendrickson.
“It’s early in camp,” Jones said. “Everybody looks – I ain’t going to say the same – but we know he has a motor. We saw what he could do in college. If he could just bring the motor over here, I think he’s going to change the whole shape of the defensive line.”
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Pacman Jones on Joe Burrow, Bengals’ outlook for 2025
“Hold on, what do you mean didn’t nobody wanted to see them? We was one game from going to the f—— playoffs, bro?”
That is the kind of unfiltered response Jones offers in his podcast. He clarified his response to the question that the Bengals – who won their last five games last season and were the team no other team wanted to see in the playoffs because of that hot streak. Jones laughs.
“I think we have to start fast,” Jones said. “We can’t give up 54 points a game. I know that. Last year, we didn’t play that good on defense.”
The Bengals allowed 25.5 points per game last season – which ranked 25th in the NFL. Cincinnati finished 4-4 in games where it scored 30 or more points. New defensive coordinator Al Golden – who coached at Notre Dame last season – replaced Lou Anarumo. The Bengals also have started 1-3 each of the last two seasons.
It’s a huge year for Joe Burrow – who had 4,918 passing yards, 43 TDs and nine interceptions in 2024. The Bengals have failed to reach the postseason the last two years, but they are the last team to beat the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC playoffs. Cincinnati beat Kansas City 27-24 in the 2021 AFC championship game. The Chiefs beat the Bengals 23-20 in the 2022 AFC championship game.
“You can say what you want to say – Joe is the second best quarterback in the NFL,” Jones said. “Patrick Mahomes. Joe Burrow. (Burrow) wins a Super Bowl. Then we’ll be talking about him and Pat. As far as the accolades and everything, he’s done everything except win a Super Bowl. I’ve seen a lot of good quarterbacks. He’s a great quarterback, bro.”
How to listen to Pacman Jones’ podcast
Jones’ podcast “Politely Raw! The Pacman Jones Show” launched in 2024 with BetOnline. The show features co-host Evan Rosenblum, the founder of TMZ Sports. The podcast launches new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.
“People know I talk without a seatbelt,” Jones said. “I try to critique things in my own way without just really bashing the player. If it comes to me saying something, I won’t hold it back. We enjoy critiquing the games, anything, rappers, actors – anything that pops on the table.”
