Trey Hendrickson’s time in Cincinnati looks like it’s nearing the finish line-and it’s not ending with a celebratory lap. After two offseasons of contract talks that never quite got across the goal line, the Bengals and their star pass rusher appear headed for a split.
Hendrickson, who missed most of the 2025 season due to injury, is poised to hit free agency when the new league year kicks off in March. While the Bengals could technically slap the franchise tag on him, the odds of that happening seem slim. There’s a growing sense on both sides that it’s time to turn the page.
And here’s where things get spicy: Hendrickson might not be leaving the AFC North at all. One projection has him landing with the Baltimore Ravens-a move that would not only shake up the division but also sting in Cincinnati.
Watching a player of Hendrickson’s caliber walk is never easy. Watching him walk into a rival’s locker room?
That’s a gut punch.
Since signing with the Bengals in 2021, Hendrickson has been a force off the edge. He brought consistent pressure, racked up sacks, and anchored a defense that often leaned on his ability to disrupt the backfield. His motor, technique, and knack for finding the quarterback made him a fan favorite-and a problem for opposing offenses.
But with Hendrickson turning 31 and carrying a hefty franchise tag price north of $34 million, Cincinnati seems ready to move on. The team gave him a raise for 2025, but a long-term extension never materialized. Now, barring a late change of heart, he’ll be free to test the open market.
Baltimore, meanwhile, could be an ideal landing spot. The Ravens are entering a new era post-John Harbaugh, and with Jesse Minter now leading the charge, they’re expected to be aggressive in reshaping their defense.
After registering just 30 sacks last season-tied for third-fewest in the league-they’re in desperate need of a pass-rushing spark. Hendrickson could be exactly that.
For Bengals fans, the idea of Hendrickson suiting up in purple and black is a tough one to stomach. He’s been a cornerstone of the defense, and his departure-especially to a division rival-would mark the end of a significant chapter in Cincinnati’s recent resurgence.
There’s still time before free agency opens, but all signs point toward a clean break. And if Hendrickson does end up in Baltimore, the Bengals will have to find a way to replace not just his production, but the edge he brought to their defense-literally and figuratively.