Bengals' Trey Hendrickson Seeks $10M More in Free Agent Contract

Veteran pass rusher's asking price far exceeds what Cincinnati is willing to pay

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Cincinnati Bengals are facing a significant gap in contract negotiations with star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, who is set to hit free agency this offseason. According to sources, Hendrickson is seeking a deal worth around $10 million more per year than what the Bengals are currently offering, creating a major obstacle in the team's efforts to retain the talented edge defender.

Why it matters

Hendrickson's potential departure would be a major blow to the Bengals' defense, which has relied heavily on his pass-rushing prowess in recent seasons. The team must weigh the high cost of keeping Hendrickson against the need to maintain a competitive roster and stay within their salary cap constraints.

The details

Hendrickson, who recorded 14 sacks last season, is expected to command a lucrative multi-year contract on the open market. However, the Bengals' current offer is reportedly well below Hendrickson's asking price, creating a significant gap in negotiations. The team has already made moves to address the edge rusher position, signing Boye Mafe, but losing Hendrickson would leave a significant void that would be difficult to fill.

  • The Bengals' offseason moves began in early March 2026.

The players

Trey Hendrickson

A veteran pass rusher who recorded 14 sacks for the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2025 season and is set to become a free agent.

Boye Mafe

An edge rusher signed by the Bengals in the 2026 offseason to potentially replace the departing Trey Hendrickson.

Bryan Cook

A safety signed by the Bengals in the 2026 offseason.

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The takeaway

The Bengals face a difficult decision in their contract negotiations with Trey Hendrickson, as the veteran pass rusher's asking price appears to be significantly higher than what the team is willing to pay. This could lead to Hendrickson's departure in free agency, forcing the Bengals to find a suitable replacement and adjust their defensive strategy accordingly.