Bengals Weighing Trey Hendrickson's Future Amid Contract Uncertainty

Cincinnati must decide whether to franchise tag their star defensive end.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Cincinnati Bengals are facing a tough decision regarding the future of star defensive end Trey Hendrickson. Conflicting reports have emerged about whether the team will look to re-sign Hendrickson or potentially use the franchise tag on him. As the offseason approaches, the Bengals must weigh the pros and cons of each option to determine the best path forward for their top pass rusher.

Why it matters

Hendrickson has been a key part of the Bengals' defense since joining the team in 2021, recording 27.5 sacks over the past two seasons. Losing him would be a major blow, but the franchise tag comes with a hefty price tag that could impact the team's ability to address other roster needs. The Bengals must carefully consider Hendrickson's value and fit within their long-term plans.

The details

Hendrickson is set to become a free agent this offseason, and the Bengals must decide whether to re-sign him to a long-term deal, use the franchise tag, or let him test the open market. Some reports suggest the team is leaning towards tagging Hendrickson, while others indicate they are still weighing their options. The franchise tag for defensive ends is projected to be around $20 million for the 2026 season.

  • Trey Hendrickson's current contract with the Bengals is set to expire at the start of the 2026 NFL league year on March 13.
  • The Bengals have until March 7 to decide whether to use the franchise tag on Hendrickson.

The players

Trey Hendrickson

A 27.5-sack defensive end who has been a key part of the Bengals' defense over the past two seasons.

Zac Taylor

The head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals, who must weigh the team's options regarding Hendrickson's future.

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What they’re saying

“We must carefully consider Trey's value and fit within our long-term plans. He's been a vital part of our defense, but the franchise tag is a significant investment that could impact our ability to address other needs.”

— Zac Taylor, Head Coach, Cincinnati Bengals (Bengals team source)

What’s next

The Bengals have until March 7 to decide whether to use the franchise tag on Trey Hendrickson. If they do not tag him, he will become an unrestricted free agent on March 13 and able to sign with any team.

The takeaway

The Bengals face a difficult decision on Trey Hendrickson's future, as they must weigh the value he brings to their defense against the financial commitment required to retain him long-term or via the franchise tag. This choice will have significant implications for the team's roster construction and ability to address other needs this offseason.