Trey Hendrickson confirmed the conclusion of his time with the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday by sharing a heartfelt farewell letter on Instagram. After the Bengals chose not to place a tag on him by the 4 p.m. ET deadline, Hendrickson became an unrestricted free agent, signaling the end of his five seasons with the team.
In his message, Hendrickson expressed deep gratitude to the Bengals’ fans, coaches, teammates, and staff for their support throughout his tenure.
Career Highlights and Transition to Free Agency
Hendrickson joined the Bengals after spending four seasons with the New Orleans Saints and quickly became one of the NFL’s most feared pass rushers. He earned four consecutive Pro Bowl selections and amassed 61 total sacks in Cincinnati, including an impressive 17.5 sacks in both 2023 and 2024.
Last offseason hinted at his possible departure when the Bengals authorized Hendrickson to explore trade options. Despite that, he agreed to a revised one-year contract late in August. His 2023 season was limited to seven games due to injuries, and Cincinnati finished the year with a 6-11 record, allowing the second-most yards and third-most points across the league.
Rather than tagging Hendrickson and potentially entering another challenging summer of contract negotiations, Cincinnati allowed him to enter free agency, suggesting a new chapter awaits the 31-year-old lineman.
Gratitude for Bonds and Memories with the Bengals
Hendrickson acknowledged the strong friendships he built during his time with the Bengals, emphasizing that those relationships will endure beyond his playing career. He also praised the coaches for their invaluable guidance and thanked the staffers for their tireless efforts behind the scenes.
Thank you for the opportunity to play the game I love at the highest level,
Hendrickson wrote.
The last five years have been filled with great wins and tough losses. Personal achievements and humbling adversities. I was and always will be proud to have worn the Cincinnati Bengals logo and honor the history behind it.
He also shared appreciation for the Bengals’ loyal fanbase, highlighting their encouragement and the unique spirit of Cincinnati football.
Thank you for supporting me in the relentless pursuit of winning,
Hendrickson stated.
You’ve made the Jungle Roar when I hunted QB after QB! Memories of those moments will live in my heart and mind forever. The hard work this city puts in and its support for our Bengals made it easy to empty the tank for this fanbase! I could not be more proud of the high standards we have for our city and football team. Cincinnati is home. Now and forever.
The Future Ahead at Free Agency
With free agency now open, Hendrickson looks poised to begin the next phase of his NFL career after a significant and impactful run in Cincinnati. His strong production and leadership make him a valuable asset for teams seeking a proven pass rusher and experienced defensive lineman.
As Hendrickson moves forward, the gratitude he expressed for his time in Cincinnati reveals the lasting influence the Bengals and their community have had on his career and personal life.
