Cincinnati Bengals Face Tough Decision on Trey Hendrickson's Future
The Cincinnati Bengals have a major decision looming over Trey Hendrickson, one of the NFL's premier EDGE rushers since 2020. Hendrickson, now 31, has consistently been a force on the field, racking up 70.5 sacks over five seasons. Despite a dip in production due to injuries in 2025, where he managed four sacks in seven games, his impact is undeniable.
Hendrickson's recent dissatisfaction with his contract has left the Bengals in a bind. After sitting out much of last year's training camp to negotiate a better deal, he returned with only a pay bump instead of the multi-year contract he sought. Now, the Bengals must decide whether to use the franchise tag, re-sign him, or let him test free agency, potentially gaining a third-round compensatory pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
NBC5’s Charlie Clifford weighed in, stating, “He’s done playing for the Bengals. This has been a back-and-forth negotiation struggle for multiple years.”
With Hendrickson likely moving on, the Bengals are at a crossroads. They boast a roster capable of a Super Bowl run, led by stars like Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins.
However, their financial commitments to these players make retaining Hendrickson a complex challenge.
The financial stakes are high. The 2026 franchise tag for a defensive end is projected at $27,322,000, while the transition tag is around $22,908,000. Letting Hendrickson go would mean losing not just a top performer but also a key leader in the locker room.
This decision will shape the Bengals’ defensive identity for years to come. As Clifford put it, “It’s the kind of move that tells you exactly what window this franchise believes it’s in - still contending, or preparing for the next chapter.”
The Bengals’ choice on Hendrickson is more than a roster move; it’s a statement about their future direction. Will they continue to push for immediate success, or begin to rebuild for the next era? The clock is ticking in Cincinnati.