Bengals expected to find a new pass rusher to succeed Trey Hendrickson by 2026

Charlie Baduini

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Bengals predicted to replace Trey Hendrickson with young pass rusher in 2026 image

Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

TL;DR

  • Cincinnati Bengals defense needs reconstruction after years of decline.
  • Veteran pass rusher Trey Hendrickson is expected to leave in free agency.
  • Bengals projected to select Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk in 2026 NFL Draft.
  • Faulk's size and skills mirror Hendrickson, aiming to fill the pass rush void.

The Cincinnati Bengals have had a defense problem for a few years now.

The team is a long way from the dominant unit that led them to the Super Bowl in 2021, and has needed to reconstruct that aspect of their play for some time.

Given that veteran pass rusher Trey Hendrickson is anticipated to leave in free agency, and Cincinnati's prior first-round edge rushers haven't met expectations, the Bengals will probably pick a pass rusher with their 2026 selection.

The Bengals are projected to pick Keldric Faulk from Auburn in the 2026 NFL Draft.

ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller's most recent mock draft projects Cincinnati taking Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk at the eighth overall selection.

"Hendrickson will become a free agent after the season, and his return to Cincinnati is hardly guaranteed considering the acrimonious nature of his preseason holdout. Joseph Ossai and Cam Sample will also be free agents, leaving the Bengals with needs up front despite drafting Shemar Stewart in the first round this year and Myles Murphy in 2023," wrote Miller.

"Neither has had much of an impact, so perhaps Faulk could break through. At 6-foot-6, 285 pounds, Faulk is built in the mold of Hendrickson with the power to lock out offensive tackles and the quickness to get to the quarterback. He has two sacks and 24 pressures this season and can rush from the inside and outside."

Faulk's addition allows him to seamlessly fill Hendrickson's position within the Bengals' defense, as Cincinnati's leadership anticipates that Shemar Stewart and Myles Murphy, working together, will help generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

This isn't a complete overhaul of the defense, but it's definitely a starting point for The Bengals as they aim to improve their performance on that side of the field.

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Staff Writer