As of Tuesday’s deadline, the Cincinnati Bengals decided against placing the franchise tag on defensive end Trey Hendrickson, making the four-time Pro Bowler an unrestricted free agent. This move opens the door for Hendrickson free agency after he was eligible to receive either a franchise or transition tag by the deadline.
Hendrickson’s Recent Season Impacted by Injury
Hendrickson’s 2025 season was cut short after undergoing core muscle surgery in December. He last appeared on the field on October 26, playing in only seven games as a starter. In those appearances, Hendrickson recorded 16 tackles, including four sacks and three tackles for loss, along with one forced fumble and eight quarterback hits. He participated in 59% of the team’s defensive snaps during that period.
Career Performance and Contract Disputes
The 31-year-old defensive end entered the 2025 season having led the NFL with 35 sacks over the previous two years. Prior to the season, Hendrickson and the Bengals experienced a contractual standoff, with Hendrickson requesting a trade and holding out. Eventually, Cincinnati offered a $14 million raise, increasing his salary to $30 million, persuading him to return to play.
Background and Achievements in the NFL
Since being drafted in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints from Florida Atlantic, Hendrickson has accumulated 81 sacks in 117 games with both the Saints and Bengals. He earned Pro Bowl selections in four straight seasons from 2021 to 2024 and was named first-team All-Pro in 2024.
Implications of the Bengals’ Decision
With the Bengals declining to tag Hendrickson, teams around the league will likely weigh in on the veteran defensive end’s availability during free agency. Given his consistent performance and recent injuries, Hendrickson’s next contract will be closely watched. This development also raises questions about Cincinnati’s defensive plans for the upcoming season and how they intend to fill the void left by his potential departure.
