One of the best pass rushers in the NFL is set to become a free agent soon.
According to multiple reports, the Cincinnati Bengals will not be putting the franchise tag on pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, making him a free agent.
Hendrickson played the 2025 season on the franchise tag after the two sides couldn’t come to an agreement on a long-term contract. He was limited to seven games, finishing the season with 16 total tackles, four sacks, a forced fumble, and a pass defended.
Hendrickson will be well compensated once he officially hits the market after a great tenure with the Bengals. He spent five seasons with them and had two seasons where he finished with 17.5 sacks (2023 and 2024).
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Before his tenure with the Bengals, Hendrickson spent the first four seasons of his career with the New Orleans Saints after they selected him in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He has played in 117 games, compiling 236 tackles, 81 sacks, 15 forced fumbles, and 16 passes defended.
Tuesday was the final day for teams to put the franchise tag on players before the new league year starts next Wednesday. That will be when teams can offically sign players to new contracts.
The Bengals missed the playoffs during the 2025 NFL season, finishing with a 6-11 record. They hope to change that once the 2026 season starts in September.
Related: Bengals Predicted to Draft Replacement for $29 Million EDGE
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
