Bengals free agent update confirms Trey Hendrickson's future in Cincinnati

Matt Sullivan

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Bengals free agent update confirms Trey Hendrickson's future in Cincinnati image

The Cincinnati Bengals ended their 2025 season with a loss to the Cleveland Browns, and only highlighted the need for change this offseason.

While the coaching staff is all returning, the player personnel is bound to change. One such change is going to come on the defensive side of the ball in the pass rusher room.

But, will that change include Trey Hendrickson? ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler revealed the two sides' relationship and where things are heading this offseason.

Bengals get significant update on Trey Hendrickson

"This relationship has run its course," Fowler writes, "The Bengals have the option to franchise-tag Hendrickson, but after a year of contentious contract negotiations, the edge rusher appears poised to land elsewhere and capitalize on a booming positional market."

The Bengals are expected to let Hendrickson walk, according to this report from Fowler. While not the unexpected update, it does confirm the end of an era.

Hendrickson was an incredible get for the Bengals a few years ago. He had back-to-back incredible seasons in 2023 and 2024, recording 17.5 sacks each season, with four Pro Bowls, and an All-Pro nomination in 2024.

More: Bengals receive $33 million contract projection on Trey Hendrickson despite injury

This stint didn't end the way both sides had hoped, and the 31-year-old pass rusher is now hitting the open market this offseason to join a new team.

Even though he played in just seven games this season and recorded just four sacks and 16 total tackles, there will be a strong market for him.

Pass rushers with his potential don't become available often, and he's worth the investment. For the Bengals, they can expect a third-round compensatory pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, when the pool of players is expected to be one of the best in recent years.

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Editorial Team