Defensive end Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals is preparing to become an unrestricted free agent once the new NFL league year begins. The Bengals have been evaluating his worth at the NFL Combine, considering whether to trade him or apply the franchise tag to retain him for the upcoming season. The team’s front office has not closed the possibility of Hendrickson remaining in Cincinnati in 2025.
Cincinnati’s Management Remains Undecided on Hendrickson’s Future
Duke Tobin, the Bengals’ director of player personnel, expressed a cautious openness regarding Hendrickson’s return, reflecting the team’s conflicted stance. Tobin highlighted the challenges of committing to a decision amid ongoing evaluations.
I never will rule out any possibility,
Tobin said on SiriusXM NFL Radio.
He’s a good football player. So, is there a chance he’ll be with us? We’re in the business of good football players, so I can’t rule it out. But I don’t know what the future holds.
Regarding the use of the franchise tag, Tobin indicated the timing of the combine limits the transparency the team can offer, as revealing their intentions too early could undermine their negotiating position with the rest of the league.
And in terms of the tag, we’re still moving through that. I don’t have a definite answer there. We have resources, and how we deploy them are things that will come out. Unfortunately, this event never really provides me an opportunity to be transparent. It really doesn’t because it falls when it falls. We’re not gonna announce our intentions for the 31 other teams to know, well, you know, it is or it isn’t. And maybe internally, we’re still struggling with the dynamic of exactly how to best go about this. That’s where we are at the moment.
Hendrickson’s Recent Performance and Contract History
Hendrickson, 31, previously held out during the offseason and into training camp while negotiating for a long-term contract that reflected his recent on-field contributions. Instead of a multiyear deal, both sides agreed on a one-year salary increase to keep him active with Cincinnati for the 2024 season.
His 2024 campaign was marred by injury; he sustained a core injury in Week 6 and worsened it trying to play through the pain in Week 8, ultimately sidelining him for the remainder of the season. Despite the setbacks, Hendrickson managed to participate in seven games, recording 16 tackles, four sacks, one forced fumble, and a pass deflection.
After being selected 103rd overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 2017 NFL Draft out of Florida Atlantic University, Hendrickson completed his rookie contract worth just over $3 million, including a signing bonus of $706,284. In 2021, he joined the Bengals on a four-year, $60 million deal and contributed significantly to the team’s run to the Super Bowl. Last year, Cincinnati signed him to a one-year extension through 2025, resolving his holdout with a $14 million raise, below his anticipated base salary of $15.8 million for the final contract year.
What Lies Ahead for Hendrickson and the Bengals
With the Bengals juggling resources and strategic planning for the upcoming offseason, the uncertainty surrounding Trevor Hendrickson’s status remains. The organization’s indecision reflects larger concerns about managing salary cap space and maximizing roster talent. As Hendrickson is listed among the top 100 free agents entering the 2026 season, his future could significantly impact Cincinnati’s defensive lineup or shift the balance for other NFL teams seeking experienced pass rushers.
The Bengals will likely continue to monitor Hendrickson’s condition and explore all options, including retainment, tag application, or trade prospects. How they navigate these decisions in the coming months will shape not only Hendrickson’s career but also the team’s competitive outlook heading into the next NFL season.
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