Overview
- The Bengals will not franchise-tag Trey Hendrickson, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, clearing the four-time Pro Bowler to reach free agency when the new league year opens March 11.
- Hendrickson, 31, led the NFL in sacks in 2024 and earned first-team All-Pro honors, then was limited to seven games with four sacks in 2025 due to injury.
- Reports identify the Colts as a logical suitor given coaching ties to Lou Anarumo and Marion Hobby, while the Cowboys are also cited as a potential bidder based on need on the edge.
- Contract projections vary widely, from a one-year, $21 million estimate by Pro Football Focus to a two-year, $51 million valuation by Spotrac, with a Sports Illustrated projection of three years and $105 million noted as an outlier.
- By passing on the tag, Cincinnati avoids a costly one-year guarantee, maintains cap flexibility, and could qualify for compensatory-pick considerations if Hendrickson signs elsewhere.