The Cincinnati Bengals are reportedly considering placing the franchise tag on defensive end Trey Hendrickson as he approaches free agency in 2026. Despite Hendrickson’s previous request for a trade and difficulties finalizing a contract extension, the team appears exploring all possible routes to retain the pass rusher, who led the NFL in sacks during the 2024 season.
Exploring All Options for Hendrickson’s Future
The possibility of a tag-and-trade scenario remains open as the Bengals weigh their options. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport indicated,
“Our understanding is that the Bengals are still considering using the franchise tag on Trey Hendrickson. Now, could it be a tag-and-trade possibility? Perhaps. Sounds like all options are on the table for Hendrickson right now. But it is not a foregone conclusion that his time in Cincinnati is over.”
Further underscoring the situation’s complexity, Rapoport mentioned on NFL GameDay with Tom Pelissero, Mike Garafolo, and Judy Battista that the Bengals might tag Hendrickson while other teams, such as the Colts and Cowboys, pursue similar moves with their own players.
Hendrickson’s Impact and Recent Challenges
Trey Hendrickson joined the Bengals in 2021 after four seasons with the New Orleans Saints. In his Cincinnati tenure, he has earned four Pro Bowl selections, been named to an All-Pro team, and led the league with 17.5 sacks in 2024. However, Hendrickson is 31 years old and experienced a significant decline last season, hampered by injuries and missing nearly the entire offseason.
During the 2025 season, Hendrickson appeared in just eight games, recording 16 tackles, 4 sacks, and one forced fumble. This contrasts sharply with the previous two seasons, where he posted 17.5 sacks and multiple forced fumbles, consistently serving as the Bengals’ primary pass rush threat.
Statistics Highlight Hendrickson’s Contribution to Bengals’ Defense
Over four seasons with Cincinnati, Hendrickson accumulated 155 tackles, including 53 for loss, 57 sacks, 11 forced fumbles, and 12 passes defensed. Despite his production, the Bengals’ attempt to supplement their pass rush by drafting another first-round rusher last year did not yield the expected results, maintaining Hendrickson’s status as their central defensive threat.
Mixed Opinions on Bengals Using the Franchise Tag
Not all analysts agree on the likelihood of the Bengals applying the franchise tag to Hendrickson. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler expressed skepticism, describing such a move as “a mild surprise.” Fowler noted that while a sign-and-trade option may exist, the Bengals stand to gain a compensatory third-round pick if Hendrickson signs elsewhere in free agency, since he is just under ten years of experience. Players with ten-plus years only trigger at best a fifth-round compensatory pick.
Fowler also commented,
“The relationship has essentially run its course, and the tag will be well above $30 million,”
emphasizing the financial burden of tagging Hendrickson. He added,
“The top free agent rusher will have plenty of suitors. Several teams in need of a pass rusher should look into him, including the Cowboys, Buccaneers and Colts.”
Future Prospects and Market for Hendrickson
Hendrickson’s recent injury struggles and age raise questions about his demand around the league. Even though he was the NFL sack leader just last year, no teams took action on his trade request previously, hinting that interest might be cautious. The Bengals face a challenging decision balancing salary impacts, team needs, and Hendrickson’s uncertain outlook as free agency approaches.
How the Bengals proceed will significantly influence their defensive strategy in 2026 and beyond, particularly considering their heavy reliance on Hendrickson’s pass rush capabilities in recent years.Â
The Insiders on @NFLGameDay with @TomPelissero, @MikeGarafolo, and @JudyBattista: #Colts plan to open talks for Daniel Jones; #Bengals could franchise tag Trey Hendrickson; #Giants QB Russell Wilson’s future; #Cowboys will tag George Pickens, but could trade him. pic.twitter.com/R5lcNyorZY
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 8, 2026
