Bengals GM Tobin Hints at Difficulty in Tagging and Trading Trey Hendrickson

Tobin says tag-and-trade scenarios are "very complicated" as Hendrickson's free agency looms.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 10:55pm

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In a press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine, Cincinnati Bengals general manager Duke Tobin hinted that the team may not use the franchise tag on star defensive end Trey Hendrickson, whose contract is set to expire. Tobin acknowledged that tag-and-trade scenarios are "very complicated" and require "cooperation with your players," suggesting the Bengals may be reluctant to go that route with Hendrickson.

Why it matters

Hendrickson has been one of the Bengals' best free agent signings in recent years, emerging as an elite pass rusher. His potential departure would be a significant loss for the team's defense, so Tobin's comments indicate the Bengals may be leaning towards letting Hendrickson test free agency rather than complicating the situation with a tag-and-trade.

The details

Tobin was asked about the complexities of a tag-and-trade scenario, and while he didn't mention Hendrickson by name, it was clear the reporter was referring to the star defensive end. Tobin acknowledged that "all trades are difficult" and require "cooperation with your players," suggesting the Bengals may be hesitant to go that route with Hendrickson.

  • The Bengals have until Tuesday, March 3 to use the franchise tag on Hendrickson.
  • Hendrickson's current contract with the Bengals is set to expire, making him a free agent next month.

The players

Duke Tobin

The general manager of the Cincinnati Bengals, who spoke candidly about the difficulties of a potential tag-and-trade scenario involving star defensive end Trey Hendrickson.

Trey Hendrickson

The Cincinnati Bengals' star defensive end, who is set to become a free agent next month after a highly productive 2021 season.

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What they’re saying

“All trades are difficult. You've got to find a partner. You have to have some cooperation with your players that you're talking about this with. Trades can be complicated. That hypothetical scenario would be very complicated.”

— Duke Tobin, General Manager, Cincinnati Bengals

What’s next

The Bengals have until March 3 to decide whether to use the franchise tag on Trey Hendrickson, which would complicate any potential trade. If they do not tag him, Hendrickson will become an unrestricted free agent next month.

The takeaway

Tobin's comments suggest the Bengals may be reluctant to use the franchise tag on Trey Hendrickson and instead allow him to test free agency, rather than complicating the situation with a potentially difficult tag-and-trade scenario.