The Cincinnati Bengals are likely to part ways with their All-Pro pass rusher Trey Hendrickson as his contract is set to expire on March 11, marking a significant moment in the team’s ongoing Cincinnati Bengals contract decisions. Despite previous efforts to retain key players like Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, Hendrickson’s future with the team appears uncertain heading into the new league year.
Uncertainty Surrounding Hendrickson’s Return to Cincinnati
According to Bengals insider Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic, the Bengals do not consider Hendrickson part of their future plans. Dehner explains that
“there’s little reason to believe Hendrickson will willingly return to Cincinnati, and it wouldn’t make much financial sense for the Bengals to blow a majority of its free-agent budget forcing him to do so.”
He adds,
“Crazy things happen all the time in the NFL, but it certainly appears that ship has sailed.”
Past Contract Struggles and Recent Performance
Hendrickson, 31, previously held out during contract negotiations before the 2025 season, eventually securing a $13 million raise from the Bengals. However, his latest season was cut short after only seven games, in which he totaled four sacks. Given the injury setbacks and limited production, both parties look poised to move on rather than renew their partnership.
Projected Free Agency and Market Value
Fully healthy for the 2026 season, Hendrickson is expected to be a top target across the NFL free agency landscape. Despite the decline in his recent campaign, he is anticipated to command a lucrative deal close to the highest-paid pass rushers in the league. Currently, Pittsburgh Steelers’ T.J. Watt holds the top contract in this category, earning an average of $41 million per year. Hendrickson may not surpass this figure but is likely to secure a contract in the $30 million range.
The Bengals’ decisions regarding Hendrickson reflect a broader strategy in managing salary cap space and long-term roster construction, especially after locking in stars like Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins. How the Bengals navigate this offseason will shape their defensive front and their pursuit of sustained success in the coming years.
