Bengals Weigh Options for Star Pass Rusher Trey Hendrickson

NFL Scouting Combine could help Cincinnati decide whether to extend, tag, or trade the free agent

Feb. 23, 2026 at 6:38pm

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The Cincinnati Bengals face a crucial decision this offseason regarding the future of star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, who is set to become a free agent. The team is considering several options, including extending Hendrickson's contract, using the franchise tag, or potentially trading him. The upcoming NFL Scouting Combine will give the Bengals a chance to gauge interest from other teams and help determine their best path forward.

Why it matters

Hendrickson has been a key part of the Bengals' defense since joining the team in 2021, making the Pro Bowl and recording 14.5 sacks last season. Keeping him in Cincinnati is a priority, but the team must weigh the financial implications and potential trade value against the risk of losing him for nothing in free agency.

The details

The Bengals are open to all options with Hendrickson, including a potential tag-and-trade scenario. By attending the NFL Scouting Combine, the team hopes to get a better sense of Hendrickson's market value and the likelihood of executing a trade if they choose to go that route. A tag-and-trade could allow Cincinnati to recoup valuable draft capital instead of potentially losing Hendrickson for just a compensatory pick if he departs in free agency.

  • The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is taking place this week in Indianapolis.
  • Trey Hendrickson's contract with the Bengals is set to expire at the start of the 2026 NFL league year.

The players

Trey Hendrickson

A Pro Bowl defensive end who has been a standout pass rusher for the Cincinnati Bengals since joining the team in 2021.

Cincinnati Bengals

The NFL team based in Cincinnati, Ohio that employs Trey Hendrickson and is weighing its options for retaining or trading the free agent pass rusher.

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What they’re saying

“The team is open to all options, but how likely executing a trade would be based on his market and cooperation from Hendrickson's agent can be determined in Indianapolis.”

— Paul Dehner Jr., Reporter

What’s next

The Bengals will closely monitor Trey Hendrickson's market value and potential trade interest from other teams at the NFL Scouting Combine this week in Indianapolis. This information will help guide their decision on whether to extend Hendrickson's contract, use the franchise tag, or pursue a tag-and-trade scenario.

The takeaway

The Bengals face a critical offseason decision on Trey Hendrickson, one of the top pass rushers set to hit free agency. The team's actions at the NFL Scouting Combine will provide crucial insight into their best path forward, whether that's keeping Hendrickson in Cincinnati long-term, trading him for assets, or potentially losing him in free agency.