The future of Trey Hendrickson with the Cincinnati Bengals remains unclear as the team reportedly does not envision him as part of their 2026 roster. Sources reveal that there is little indication Hendrickson intends to return either, amid unresolved contract discussions focused on long-term financial guarantees. Hendrickson’s current agreement, a one-year deal worth $30 million, was described as a compromise that neither party fully embraced. This situation places the veteran edge rusher’s Bengals future in doubt as free agency approaches.
Contract Negotiations and Potential Market for Hendrickson
Hendrickson’s representatives have indicated that he anticipates being fully recovered from a recent core muscle surgery by the start of free agency in March. Despite the Bengals’ uncertain plans, he is expected to attract strong interest from several teams given the edge rusher position’s depth in the 2026 NFL Draft and an active free-agent market. Contract talks may revolve around a figure near the $29 million Hendrickson earned in 2025, with speculation that a two-year deal could be on the table for potential suitors.
Possible Outcomes: Franchise Tag, Trade, or Compensatory Picks
If Cincinnati opts against applying the franchise tag on Hendrickson, the Bengals stand to gain a third-round compensatory pick in the 2027 NFL Draft should he sign with another club for a top-tier free-agent salary. This move would also help the Bengals maintain a balanced free-agent presence by not losing more players than they acquire. Conversely, if the team places the $30.2 million franchise tag on Hendrickson with the goal of trading him, they could secure a valuable draft pick, potentially in this year’s draft, by finding a trade partner.
Browns’ Quarterback Shedeur Sanders Reflects on Rookie Season
Meanwhile, Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders expressed confidence in his ability to excel in the NFL as long as he continues improving and receiving support to be the team’s franchise signal-caller. Speaking on Up & Adams, Sanders remarked,
“You can see it. It’s kind of like mastering how to get to that place all the time. You have flashes. That’s the most thing I appreciate about this year is that I proved to myself, I’m able to dominate the league. But I’m able to take completions, I’m able to put all of that together, and definitely in games, we have flashes, but I know I’m capable of doing that. Now, to do it on a consistent basis, that’s what the goal is. But for me in this past season, that’s what proved to myself. No matter what happened, no matter anything that transpired, you are able to go out there and compete,”
highlighting his determination to build on his first-year experiences.
Hiring of Todd Monken as Browns’ Head Coach After Extensive Search
The Browns recently appointed Todd Monken as their head coach, following his tenure as the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. Owner Jimmy Haslam detailed the thorough selection process, which began with approximately 25 candidates and narrowed to nine interviews. Haslam emphasized that Monken was consistently at the forefront throughout the 20-day search, stating,
“You go through a search process — I think we started out with 20, 25 candidates. I think we interviewed nine, I might be off by one there. A search is a little bit of a roller coaster. Somebody drops out, somebody comes in. You get better references or better test results on someone. Or worse. I would say Todd was on the top of the list the entire time. I think our search lasted 20 days and I’d say he was leading the pack or in the front pack the entire time.”
This decision reflects the Browns’ commitment to building a competitive team moving forward.
"Whenever I feel like me, then everything works out… I've proven to myself, I'm able to dominate the league."
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders on feeling confident after his first year in the NFL@ShedeurSanders | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/r368dh9Cjo
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) February 3, 2026
Coach Monken was "leading the pack the entire time"@crosscountrymtg | #DawgPound pic.twitter.com/xEa5ZX8LvH
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) February 3, 2026
