Bengals Face Uncertain Future with Trey Hendrickson as Free Agency Nears
As the NFL offseason heats up, the Cincinnati Bengals find themselves at a crossroads with one of their top defensive players. Trey Hendrickson, the Pro Bowl pass rusher who’s been a key part of Cincinnati’s defensive identity, appears to be nearing the end of his run with the team - and not by mutual design.
Cincinnati reportedly doesn't envision Hendrickson in its long-term plans beyond 2025, and there’s little indication that the veteran edge rusher is looking to stick around either. The relationship between the two sides has been strained, largely due to disagreements over long-term guarantees.
That friction led to a stopgap solution: a one-year, $30 million deal that, by all accounts, neither side was thrilled about. It was a compromise built more on necessity than enthusiasm.
Now, with Hendrickson recovering from core muscle surgery - and expected to be fully healthy by the start of free agency in March - the Bengals are staring down a critical decision. Do they tag him and explore trade options?
Let him walk and hope for a compensatory pick? Or attempt to re-engage in negotiations, even if the writing seems to be on the wall?
The market for edge rushers this offseason is deep, both in free agency and the upcoming draft. That said, Hendrickson’s résumé - including his recent production and ability to disrupt from the edge - should make him a hot commodity.
Multiple teams are expected to show interest, and any bidding war could start around the $29 million he earned in 2025. A two-year deal seems like a realistic target for a team looking to add a proven pass rusher without a long-term commitment.
If the Bengals choose not to use the franchise tag - which would cost them $30.2 million - they could be in line for a third-round compensatory pick in the 2027 draft, assuming Hendrickson signs a top-tier deal and Cincinnati avoids offsetting that departure by signing more outside free agents than they lose.
There’s also the tag-and-trade route. If Cincinnati believes Hendrickson still has strong value on the open market, tagging him with the intent to deal could land them a draft pick this year - a valuable asset for a team still looking to maximize its roster around Joe Burrow’s prime.
Bottom line: Hendrickson’s time in stripes appears to be winding down, but his next move - and Cincinnati’s handling of the situation - could have ripple effects well beyond 2026.
Shedeur Sanders Reflects on Rookie Year, Eyes Franchise Role in Cleveland
Shedeur Sanders isn’t short on confidence - and after his rookie season with the Browns, he’s got the tape to back it up. The young quarterback recently spoke about his first year in the league and made it clear: he believes he can dominate in the NFL, and he’s only scratching the surface.
“You can see it,” Sanders said during an appearance on Up & Adams. “It’s kind of like mastering how to get to that place all the time.”
Sanders pointed to the flashes he showed throughout the season - moments where his arm talent, poise, and playmaking ability stood out - as proof of what he’s capable of. But he’s not settling for flashes. The goal now is consistency.
“That’s what I appreciate about this year,” he said. “I proved to myself I’m able to dominate the league.
I’m able to take completions, I’m able to put all of that together. Now, to do it on a consistent basis - that’s the goal.”
It’s a mindset you want from a young quarterback trying to establish himself. Sanders knows the physical tools are there.
Now it’s about refining the mental side, mastering the playbook, and stacking good games week after week. If he can do that, Cleveland might just have their long-term answer under center.
Browns Land Todd Monken as Head Coach After Wide-Ranging Search
The Browns didn’t waste time in their coaching search, and they landed the guy they had their eye on from the jump. Todd Monken, fresh off his stint as the Ravens’ offensive coordinator, is taking the reins in Cleveland.
Owner Jimmy Haslam shed some light on the process, saying the team cast a wide net - starting with around 25 candidates and narrowing that group down to nine interviews. According to Haslam, Monken was a front-runner throughout the entire process.
“You go through a search process - I think we started out with 20, 25 candidates,” Haslam said. “I think we interviewed nine… I’d say [Monken] was leading the pack or in the front pack the entire time.”
The Browns’ search reportedly lasted about 20 days, and while coaching searches can often take twists and turns - with candidates dropping out or rising based on interviews and references - Monken remained a constant at the top of their list.
Now he takes over a Browns team with high expectations and a young quarterback in Shedeur Sanders looking to take the next step. Monken’s offensive background and experience developing quarterbacks could be exactly what Cleveland needs to unlock the next level.