Bengals Veteran Expected to Leave in Free Agency

After five years of ups and downs, it's time for a change in Cincinnati.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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A scrappy Bengals veteran is expected to depart the team once free agency begins, ending a five-year tenure that saw both epic highs and lows. The player's future with the team has been the subject of speculation, and it appears the time has come for the player to move on to a new opportunity.

Why it matters

The Bengals have had a mixed bag of results over the past five seasons, and this veteran's departure represents the end of an era. The team will need to find a suitable replacement and determine how to fill the void left by the player's exit.

The details

After spending the past five seasons with the Bengals, the veteran player is expected to sign elsewhere once free agency opens. The player has been a key contributor during their time in Cincinnati, but the team and player have decided it's time to part ways. The specifics of the player's next destination are not yet known, but multiple teams are expected to pursue the veteran's services.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in April.
  • Free agency is set to begin in March.

The players

Trey Hendrickson

An All-Pro defensive player who has spent the past five seasons with the Bengals.

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What’s next

Multiple teams are expected to pursue Trey Hendrickson once free agency begins in March.

The takeaway

The Bengals will need to find a way to replace the production and leadership of this veteran player, as their roster undergoes another transition this offseason.