The Cincinnati Bengals are entering a pivotal offseason following three consecutive seasons without a playoff berth, necessitating significant strategic overhauls, particularly within their defensive unit. With no major changes expected in the coaching or front office staff, the primary focus shifts to personnel adjustments on the field. The future of All-Pro pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, currently 32, is a central point of discussion, with widespread speculation about the team utilizing a franchise tag on him. However, reports from within the league indicate a different direction, suggesting the Bengals are hesitant to commit a large sum to Hendrickson's position, given their broader defensive requirements.
Cincinnati's Defensive Overhaul and Hendrickson's Future
The Cincinnati Bengals are at a critical juncture, facing an offseason described as one of the most significant in the franchise's history. After failing to make a postseason appearance for three consecutive seasons, the team is under pressure to make substantial improvements, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. With no significant changes anticipated in the coaching staff or front office, the focus is squarely on player personnel. A major point of contention revolves around Trey Hendrickson, the 32-year-old All-Pro pass rusher, whose future with the team is uncertain.
Despite widespread predictions that the Bengals would use their franchise tag on Hendrickson, who is coming off an injury-affected 2025 season, insider information suggests this is improbable. According to CBS Sports’ Jonathon Jones, sources close to the team believe it's unlikely that Cincinnati will allocate such a substantial amount of money to a single position, considering the multitude of other defensive deficiencies that need addressing. If Hendrickson were to enter the free-agent market, he would likely command a multi-year deal, far exceeding the one-year, $34.8 million that a franchise tag would offer. This decision would free up significant cap space, estimated at $35 million, allowing the Bengals to pursue multiple players to fill various gaps across both offensive and defensive units before the upcoming draft.
Strategic Implications of Declining the Franchise Tag
The potential decision by the Cincinnati Bengals not to apply the franchise tag to Trey Hendrickson carries significant strategic implications for the team's defensive structure. While Hendrickson's talent as a pass rusher is undeniable, his recent injury history and age factor into the team's evaluation. Opting against the tag would mean Hendrickson enters free agency, where he is expected to be a highly sought-after player, likely securing a lucrative multi-year contract that the Bengals appear unwilling to offer. This move would also put pressure on younger players like Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart to step up and fill the void left by Hendrickson, especially with Joseph Ossai also potentially leaving in free agency.
The Bengals are faced with the challenge of finding a suitable replacement for Hendrickson, either through free agency or trade. The insider report suggests that while signing a single-year replacement of Hendrickson's caliber might be difficult, the substantial cap space created by not tagging him opens up opportunities to address multiple defensive and offensive weaknesses. This strategic flexibility could enable the team to bolster its roster with several key acquisitions, rather than committing a large sum to one player. The hope is that by distributing these funds, the team can create a more balanced and effective overall defense, allowing the pass-rushing capabilities to naturally improve through collective effort and strategic additions.