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Cincinnati Bengals star Trey Hendrickson is not being tagged and will now become an unrestricted free agent. This was reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Tuesday afternoon. Henderickson has been rumored as a potential New England Patriots target in free agency.
He had a productive season with the Cincinnati Bengals this past year. He recorded 16 total tackles and four sacks in addition to a forced fumble and a pass deflection in seven games played. His 2025 season was cut short due to a hip pack/pelvis injury. The injury required surgery in December.
Now, the Bengals are making him an unrestricted free agent, per Schefter
The pass-rusher officially bid goodbye to Cincinnati via Instagram on Tuesday afternoon.
After not being tagged today, Trey Hendrickson bid goodbye to Cincinnati on IG: pic.twitter.com/xVXSwCHeTS
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 3, 2026
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Hendrickson Could Bring Pass-Rushing Prowess
The Patriots have been thought of as a potential option they could pursue. There hasn’t been too much viable smoke regarding him coming to New England. However, he would certainly be able to fill a need for the team.
Hendrickson has been a valuable pass-rusher throughout the course of his career. The defender has recorded 81 sacks and 236 combined tackles in 117 games. He began his career with the New Orleans Saints in 2017. He then blossomed with the Cincinnati Bengals beginning in the 2021 season. The defender most recently led the NFL in sacks with 17.5 in 2024. The stout was named an Associated Press First-Team All-Pro that year, and has made four Pro Bowls over the course of his career.
The Patriots were able to get solid pass-rushing production from multiple players. Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, and K’Lavon Chiasson all have the chance to provide pressure up front. Williams and Chaisson were able to rush the passer last year, recording four and 7.5 sacks over the course of the season.
The team certainly didn’t struggle getting to the passer. However, they lack a solid adventure. Hendrickson would be able to fill the void right away, and give the Patriots that much-needed pressure there.
Hendrickson and Maxx Crosby have been the two big names for teams needing elite defensive play. Crosby reportedly has a high asking price. Hendrickson would cost money. They have approximately $40.3 million in salary cap space according to a recent report from the Boston Herald. That gives them some room to play with, and some flexibility to get an impact player. Hendrickson is coming off a $30 million deal in 2025. The Bengals refused to guarantee any money beyond the 2025 season.
Hendrickson Could Fill Need For Patriots
Things could be lining up nicely for the Patriots here. With that being said, they have several other needs to fill as well. Hendrickson would fill a massive need, as he would give them the pass-rushing presence off the edge. He would be able to help them solidify the entire defensive unit, as interior play was not an issue for the organization last year.
The Patriots will not be the only team that wants a shot at him. However, they are one with monitoring in this instance. It will be interesting to see how the situation develops overall.