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Bengals Decline Franchise Tag on All-Pro Trey Hendrickson as Free Agency Nears

The decision avoids an estimated $30 million tag charge, with negotiations possible once the tampering window opens March 9.

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Dec 11, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) walks off the field after the victory over the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
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Overview

  • NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero report Cincinnati will not tag Trey Hendrickson, making the four-time Pro Bowler an unrestricted free agent.
  • The legal tampering window begins March 9, and players can sign when free agency opens March 11 at 4 p.m. ET.
  • Hendrickson, 31, earned First-Team All-Pro in 2024 with a second straight 17.5-sack season, then was limited to seven games in 2025 following core-muscle surgery.
  • Reporters expect a strong market, with teams such as the Cowboys, Colts, Bears and Seahawks cited as potential suitors, including staff ties in Indianapolis.
  • Contract projections vary widely, from one year at about $21 million to three years at $105 million, and a large deal elsewhere could net the Bengals future compensatory draft value.