The Cincinnati Bengals are looking to overhaul their defense this offseason. With needs at essentially every position, there's no reason the Bengals shouldn't be aggressive in fixing the defense this offseason.
One of the most important positions is the pass rush unit. With Trey Hendrickson hitting free agency, the Bengals could re-sign him or even franchise tag him.
But, according to ESPN's Ben Baby, a franchise tag of Hendrickson "isn't a viable option." There are a few reasons why that's the case, but the $30.2 million figure is the big reason why.
Why Bengals won't franchise tag Trey Hendrickson
"There are a few reasons why this isn't a viable option," Baby writes. "For starters, Hendrickson would make $30.2 million on the franchise tag based off salary for last season."
While that $30.2 million fully guaranteed deal is a lot of money, for an All-Pro pass rusher who's had 17.5 sack seasons in 2023 and 2024, that's not an outlandish figure.
But, considering Hendrickson is 32 years old, coming off an injury-shortened season where he only had four sacks in seven starts, the Bengals might be spending more on a franchise tag than if they simply re-signed him in free agency.
When Hendrickson hits the open market this offseason, he will likely get a few solid offers. But, nothing compared to the $30.2 million fully guaranteed he'd get if franchise tagged by the Bengals.
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Losing Hendrickson in free agency will sting, but if the Bengals play their cards right, they'll land a solid compensatory draft pick in the 2027 NFL Draft by letting him walk.
One of the Bengals' best free agent signings in franchise history is set to leave after putting up 61 sacks in five years with four Pro Bowl nods and one All-Pro and Defensive Player of the Year runner-up.
Bengals fans shouldn't expect to see the franchise tag used on Hendrickson this offseason, as the veteran pass rusher is set to hit the open market in March.
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