The Cincinnati Bengals chose not to apply the franchise tag to defensive end Trey Hendrickson before the NFL deadline on Tuesday, making the accomplished edge rusher available to sign with any team once free agency begins next week. Hendrickson, a former All-Pro, expressed gratitude toward the Bengals organization, coaches, and fans in a public farewell following the decision.
Hendrickson Reflects on His Time in Cincinnati
In his message to the Bengals, Hendrickson acknowledged both the highs and lows of his five years with the team, saying,
“To the organization: Thank you for the opportunity to play the game I love at the highest level,”
and added,
“The last five years have been filled with great wins and tough losses. Personal achievements and humbling adversities.”
He highlighted his pride in representing the Bengals, stating,
“I was and always will be proud to have worn the Cincinnati Bengals logo and honor the history behind it.”
Trading Hendrickson Was Considered but Proved Complicated
As of the previous week, the Bengals had not ruled out placing the franchise tag on Hendrickson, which could have allowed them to negotiate a trade for draft picks. Yet, Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin explained at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis that such trades are complex, requiring player cooperation and finding suitable trade partners.
Tobin explained,
“You have to find a partner. you have to have cooperation with your players. Trades can be complicated.”
Had Hendrickson signed a franchise tag, it would have counted for $30.2 million against Cincinnati‘s salary cap this season. The Bengals’ attempts to move him previously faced obstacles, despite a rare allowance last offseason that enabled Hendrickson to explore trade possibilities as his contract neared expiration. A potential deal did not come together, despite Hendrickson’s impressive All-Pro season leading the league with 17.5 sacks before that time.
Contract Disputes and Injuries Impacted Final Bengals Chapter
During the offseason last year, Hendrickson sat out the team’s workouts and initially held out at the start of training camp. The Bengals resolved the standoff by increasing his salary to $29 million, a move that results in a $6.5 million dead money cap hit this year. Unfortunately, Hendrickson’s production suffered due to a core muscle injury sustained midseason that eventually required surgery, limiting him to only seven games and placement on injured reserve in December.
Hendrickson’s Impact and Legacy with Cincinnati
The Bengals’ choice not to tag Hendrickson brings an end to a highly productive tenure following a four-year, $60 million contract signed in 2021. Throughout his time in Cincinnati, he established himself as one of the league’s elite edge rushers, earning Pro Bowl honors in each of his first four seasons. Since 2021, Hendrickson ranks second in the NFL in pressure rate at 13.2%, fourth in total sacks with 61, and fourth in sacks causing fumbles, tallying 11, according to ESPN Research.
Challenges During a Difficult Bengals Season
The 2025 Bengals finished with a disappointing 6-11 record following a midseason decline triggered by star quarterback Joe Burrow’s injury. When asked at the combine why the team had not traded Hendrickson before the deadline, Tobin noted the difficulty of orchestrating trades during the season while a player contributes to ongoing success. He remarked,
“If you’re in the swing of the season and you have a chance, and the guy is helping you have that chance, you’re looking to keep the chance alive.”
Looking Ahead to Free Agency
With the franchise tag off the table, Trey Hendrickson enters free agency as one of the top edge rushers available. His proven ability to pressure quarterbacks and disrupt offenses should attract significant interest during negotiations. The Bengals now face the task of replacing a key defensive playmaker while managing the repercussions of his departure on their defensive strategy moving into the next season.
