CINCINNATI — The Bengals find themselves at a critical juncture regarding Trey Hendrickson this offseason. While allowing Hendrickson to depart in free agency could be the most feasible choice, it would be a shortsighted one. After leading the NFL in sacks in the previous season, Hendrickson remains a valuable asset, currently ranked as the top free agent by Pro Football Focus for this year. His status is above notable veterans like George Pickens, Tyler Linderbaum, and Devin Lloyd, all of whom are also entering the market.
With the Bengals finishing the season with a 6-11 record, it would be unwise to let a player of Hendrickson”s caliber walk away without securing something in return. Pro Football Focus highlighted Hendrickson”s performance, noting that despite battling injuries throughout the 2025 season, he still ranked sixth among edge defenders with a pass-rush grade of 90.0. Over five consecutive seasons, he has maintained a pass-rush grade above 85.0, indicating his continued effectiveness on the field. This past season, he recorded four sacks in just seven games.
The Bengals should consider using the franchise tag on Hendrickson, which would set his compensation at approximately $30.2 million. This figure could serve as an attractive option for a team looking to acquire him. His cap hit would be around $36.7 million, factoring in a void year created when he received a raise of $13 million. The organization should actively explore the possibility of trading him to a team that requires help with their pass rush. Although they may not receive a substantial return due to diminished leverage, acquiring an additional third or fourth-round pick would be beneficial for a team with multiple needs.
Addressing the necessity for improved pass rush, Bengals Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin recently acknowledged the importance of such players. “Yeah, I”m for pass rush. I”m for pass rush. I don”t know what the future holds for Trey,” Tobin stated. “Those are discussions that we”re going to have to have ongoing. He”s one of a number of free agents that we have that we”ll have to decide how we”re going to go forward with. But pass rush is king, and you always need to be layering in pass rushers.” Notably, the Bengals have struggled defensively over the past three seasons and must capitalize on any opportunity to strengthen their roster.
Although the concept of a “tag and trade” may seem intricate, it is straightforward. The Bengals should aim to identify a trade partner during the upcoming NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Moving Hendrickson would allow another team to secure his services before the free agency period begins, enabling them to negotiate a long-term deal promptly. If the Bengals do allow him to enter free agency, they risk losing an opportunity to gain any draft capital.
Furthermore, if Hendrickson departs without a trade, the Bengals could qualify for a compensatory draft pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. However, this would be a risky strategy, as the team needs to be active in free agency this year. The compensatory pick formula considers the free agents a team signs versus those they lose. The Bengals missed an opportunity to gain a compensatory pick when Jessie Bates signed with Atlanta, as they also acquired Orlando Brown Jr. in the same offseason. Letting Hendrickson walk for the hope of a future compensatory pick would be unwise. Instead, they should proactively seek a trade at the combine, ensuring they maximize their return on this valuable asset.
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