Buccaneers Reportedly Eyeing All-Pro Pass Rusher in Free Agency

Trey Hendrickson could be a costly but impactful addition to Tampa Bay's defense.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are reportedly interested in signing Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson in free agency. This would be a significant move to bolster their defense, which struggled at times in 2025 after a strong start to the season. However, Hendrickson would likely command a lucrative multi-year contract worth over $30 million per year, which could be a tough pill for the Buccaneers to swallow.

Why it matters

The Buccaneers are looking to bounce back in 2026 after an 8-9 season that saw them miss the playoffs. Adding an elite pass rusher like Hendrickson could be the missing piece to get their defense back on track and make them genuine contenders again in the NFC.

The details

Trey Hendrickson emerged as one of the NFL's top pass rushers in 2021 with the Bengals, recording 14 sacks. He has continued to play at a high level since then, making the Pro Bowl in 2022. The Buccaneers are in need of a dominant edge rusher after Haason Reddick failed to live up to expectations in 2025. Signing Hendrickson would instantly upgrade their defensive line and provide a game-changing presence off the edge.

  • The Buccaneers finished the 2025 season with an 8-9 record and missed the playoffs.

The players

Trey Hendrickson

A Pro Bowl pass rusher for the Cincinnati Bengals who is expected to command a lucrative multi-year contract in free agency.

Jason Licht

The general manager of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who will have to weigh the cost of signing Hendrickson against the potential impact he could have on the team's defense.

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What they’re saying

“You will be hard-pressed to get Trey for anything less than $30 million APY. Would the Buccaneers be content to pay that sort of money to an aging pass rusher? And most likely on a multi-year deal?”

— Zach Buckley, Bleacher Report Analyst (Bleacher Report)

What’s next

The Buccaneers will need to decide in the coming weeks whether they are willing to make a major financial commitment to Trey Hendrickson in free agency.

The takeaway

Signing Trey Hendrickson would be a bold move by the Buccaneers to upgrade their defense, but it would come at a steep cost. Tampa Bay's front office will have to weigh the potential impact Hendrickson could have against the long-term financial implications of such a deal.