Jaguars Unlikely to Pursue Former Pro Bowl Pass Rusher in Free Agency

Trey Hendrickson's high price tag could price the Jaguars out of the market despite his talent

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Jacksonville Jaguars are unlikely to pursue former Pro Bowl pass rusher Trey Hendrickson in free agency, despite his availability after the Cincinnati Bengals opted not to use the franchise tag on him. Hendrickson's projected $25 million per year salary demands are seen as too high for the Jaguars, who would struggle to fit him under their tight salary cap while also needing to extend 2022 first-round pick Travon Walker.

Why it matters

The Jaguars are in need of pass rush help, but signing Hendrickson could severely limit their ability to address other roster needs this offseason due to their tight salary cap situation. The team must weigh the benefits of adding an elite pass rusher like Hendrickson against the potential drawbacks of committing so much money to one player.

The details

Trey Hendrickson is coming off an injury-plagued 2023 season with the Bengals, but is still expected to command a lucrative multi-year deal in free agency. His market value is estimated at $25 million per year, which would be difficult for the Jaguars to accommodate given their current salary cap constraints and the need to extend Travon Walker. While Hendrickson would provide a significant boost to the Jaguars' pass rush, the financial implications may ultimately price them out of the market for his services.

  • Hendrickson will become a free agent for the second time in his career in 2026.

The players

Trey Hendrickson

A former Pro Bowl pass rusher who is set to hit the free agent market after the Cincinnati Bengals opted not to use the franchise tag to retain him.

Travon Walker

The Jaguars' 2022 first-round draft pick, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract and will need a contract extension soon.

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What they’re saying

“Hendrickson will finally get the contract he's been searching for dating back to 2023.”

— Bryan DeArdo, CBS Sports (CBS Sports)

What’s next

The Jaguars will likely explore other options to address their pass rush needs in free agency, rather than pursuing the high-priced Hendrickson.

The takeaway

While Trey Hendrickson would be a valuable addition to the Jaguars' defense, his projected $25 million per year salary demands are likely too rich for the team's tight salary cap situation. The Jaguars must balance their need for pass rush help with the financial realities of extending their 2022 first-round pick Travon Walker, ultimately leading them to pursue more affordable options in free agency.