Trey Hendrickson is hitting the open market.
The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero report the Cincinnati Bengals are not placing a tag on the 31-year-old defensive end ahead of Tuesday afternoon’s deadline.
Hendrickson will now become an unrestricted free agent.
A four-time Pro Bowler, Hendrickson was limited to just seven games last season due to a hip/pelvis injury. He recorded 16 tackles and 4.0 sacks.
He played last season after a summer filled with acrimony. After leading the league in sacks in 2024 with 17.5, Hendrickson sought an extension or trade. He was granted permission to seek a move last March, but nothing materialized. With the two parties at an impasse, Hendrickson skipped OTAs and held out of training camp. By the end of July, he would report to camp, but he did not partake in any drills or practices. The two sides eventually agreed upon a modified contract for 2025.
A four-time Pro Bowler, Hendrickson spent the past five seasons with the Bengals after playing the first four with the New Orleans Saints, who originally selected him with the 103rd overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft out of FAU.
For his career, Hendrickson has 236 tackles, 81.0 sacks and 15 forced fumbles.
The NFL’s legal tampering period begins on Monday.