Bengals face tough decision on star Trey Hendrickson before edge rusher could reach free agency
CBS Sports
by
Brad Crawford
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Cincinnati Bengals face a critical decision regarding edge rusher Trey Hendrickson ahead of the March 3 NFL deadline for franchise tagging. If not tagged, Hendrickson will become an unrestricted free agent, potentially costing the Bengals significant cap space if they choose to retain him via trade or extension. The Bengals have multiple options: franchise tag Hendrickson now, which would require paying around $30 million next season; trade him before the deadline for draft picks; or allow him to leave and use the freed-up cap space to acquire other defensive help.
Hendrickson’s 2024 season was career-high with 17.5 sacks but ended prematurely due to injury in 2025, limiting his production to just seven games. The Bengals’ decision is complicated by their history of holdouts and the uncertainty surrounding Hendrickson’s future value. Duke Tobin, the Bengals’ director of player personnel, acknowledged the difficulty of potential trades and emphasized that all options remain on the table.
If Hendrickson is not tagged and leaves via free agency, teams like the Indianapolis Colts and San Francisco 49ers are likely suitors. The Colts have a historical connection with the Bengals through former defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, while the 49ers’ lack of sacks
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/25/2026