Cincinnati Bengals Projected To Lose Trey Hendrickson To NFC Team In Free Agency

Chicago Bears could pursue the veteran pass rusher after his injury-plagued 2025 season.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 12:03pm

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According to NFL writer Greg Auman, the Cincinnati Bengals are projected to lose defensive end Trey Hendrickson to the Chicago Bears in free agency this offseason. Hendrickson, who had back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons in 2023 and 2024, saw his production drop to just 4 sacks in 7 games in 2025 due to a core muscle injury. The Bengals will have to decide whether to franchise tag Hendrickson for over $30 million or let him hit the open market, where the Bears could pursue him despite their current tight salary cap situation.

Why it matters

Hendrickson has been a key part of the Bengals' defensive line over the past few seasons, helping the team reach the Super Bowl in 2023. Losing him to a division rival like the Bears would be a significant blow to Cincinnati's defense. The Bengals will have to weigh the risks and benefits of potentially franchising Hendrickson or letting him walk in free agency.

The details

According to the report, Hendrickson is projected to be the top free agent available this offseason, but his value may have decreased after his injury-plagued 2025 campaign. The Bengals could franchise tag Hendrickson for over $30 million, then try to trade him, or they could let him hit the open market. The Bears, who currently have -$4 million in cap space, would need to clear room to pursue Hendrickson, but he could be a key addition to their defense.

  • Hendrickson had back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons in 2023 and 2024.
  • In 2025, Hendrickson was limited to just 4 sacks in 7 games due to a core muscle injury.
  • The NFL free agency period begins in March 2026.

The players

Trey Hendrickson

A 31-year-old defensive end who has been a key part of the Cincinnati Bengals' defense over the past few seasons.

Chicago Bears

An NFC North team that is projected to pursue Hendrickson in free agency, despite their current tight salary cap situation.

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What they’re saying

“Hendrickson, 31, doesn't have the luster he had a year ago. Instead of coming off back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons and four straight Pro Bowls, he's now coming off core muscle surgery in December that limited him to four sacks in seven games in 2025.”

— Greg Auman, NFL writer

What’s next

The Bengals will have to decide whether to franchise tag Hendrickson for over $30 million or let him hit the open market. If they tag him, they could try to trade him, or they could rescind the tag if they can't find a trade partner.

The takeaway

The Bengals face a difficult decision with Hendrickson this offseason, as losing him to a division rival like the Bears would be a significant blow to their defense. However, the team will have to weigh the risks and benefits of potentially franchising him or letting him walk in free agency.