Cincinnati Bengals Trey Hendrickson
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Bengals are predicted to draft a defender amid Trey Hendrickson uncertainty
There are many questions surrounding the future of Cincinnati Bengals Pass Rusher Trey Hendrickson.
All signs point to a Cincinnati Bengals and Trey Hendrickson split this offseason. Additionally, ESPN’s Aaron Schatz believes that Hendrickson ‘desperately’ needs to get out of Cincinnati.
“The former All-Pro edge rusher is desperate to get out of Cincinnati. Hendrickson requested a trade for a second straight year in March, but he ultimately stayed with the team.” Schatz wrote in his article. “He ended last season with only four sacks in seven games before sitting out due to core muscle surgery.”
Bengals Could Sign-and-Trade Hendrickson
Trey Hendrickson is set to be a free agent this offseason. If Hendrickson hits free agency, multiple teams will want the former All-Pro.
“It is a possibility that the Bengals use their franchise tag on Hendrickson, who is about to hit free agency, but it seems that some sort of sign-and-trade deal is more likely.” Schatz wrote.
“He’s set to be a free agent this offseason, and the Bengals have a few decisions to make. They could simply let him walk, which is within the realm of possibility. But, they could also try to keep him with a new contract or a franchise tag.” Matt Sullivan wrote in a Sporting News article.
If the Cincinnati Bengals let Hendrickson walk, they would need to bring in someone who brings equal value. In 2023 and 2024, Hendrickson recorded 17.5 sacks for the Cincinnati Bengals which led the NFL. His performance in 2024 earned him First Team All-Pro honors. Hendrickson was selected to the Pro Bowl for four consecutive years (2021-2024).
“The Bengals and Hendrickson are heading towards a split this offseason. And for the Bengals, they will want to recoup the most value possible in letting him walk.” Sullivan wrote.
“If they simply don’t re-sign him, letting him hit free agency, the best they could get is a third-round compensatory draft pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. That pick wouldn’t be guaranteed, which might lead to a situation Schatz is expecting.”
Can the Cincinnati Bengals Afford to Lose Trey Hendrickson?
There is no doubt that the Cincinnati Bengals have struggled defensively. Cincinnati struggled defensively even when Hendrickson was healthy and on the field. The Bengals losing their top pass rusher would be a blow to Cincy’s defense.
However, the Bengals can draft solid defensive talent throughout the 2026 NFL draft. Names such as Rueben Bain Jr., Keldric Faulk, and Peter Woods are on Cincy’s radar to improve their defense.
“Executing a sign and trade with Hendrickson would give the Bengals guaranteed draft picks. They might not be able to land a third-round pick as they would if they let him walk, but there could be conditions on the trade to bump up the draft pick.” Sullivan wrote. “Such a deal might make the most sense for the Bengals and Hendrickson’s new team. Ideally, for Hendrickson, he will be able to choose his landing spot.”
The Bengals ranked dead-last in rushing defense in 2025. They ranked 26th in passing defense in 2025. It seems like the Bengals’ defense has nowhere to go but up, however if they lose Hendrickson, they could be worse if Cincy does not bring someone in with equal value.