He won't play with the Bengals this season under his current contract, but left the relationship open-ended. Basically, the ball is in the Bengals' court to improve negotiations with Hendrickson. He is set to earn $15.8 million this season, the final year of his contract with the team.

While doing so, Hendrickson revealed that one of the biggest reasons for his surprise appearance and 20-plus-minute media session was a text message from Bengals head coach Zac Taylor. Hendrickson told reporters that a text message from Taylor warning him about possible fines for missing mandatory camp in a few weeks played a big role.