Bengals Let Hendrickson Go, Pursue Free Agents

0:00It's March 3rd, here's your NFL news in 2 minutes, subscribe to stay locked in all season. The Bengals have parted ways with star defensive end Trey Hendrickson after skipping the franchise tag deadline on Tuesday March 3rd at 4 p.m. Eastern Time. This means Hendrickson becomes an unrestricted free agent when the legal tampering period starts Monday, March 9th, and the new league year kicks. Off next week. Talks for a long-term extension broke down before the 2025 season, leaving both sides at an impasse. Hendrickson pushed for a multi-year deal, but tensions had built over the past two years, including public frustration from the player toward the team's handling of negotiations. Bengals officials hesitated due to Hendrickson's age. He's 31 now, and turns 32 in December, and their policy against big guarantees for. Players over 30. His recent core muscle surgery after just seven games last season also factored in heavily. They considered tagging him to shop for a trade, but couldn't line up a partner.

1:01The tag would have cost $30.2 million, well above his expected market value, making it a tough sell amid his injury and age. Now with $47 million in cap space, the Bengals can chase multiple defensive free agents. Hendrickson remains a top pass rusher in demand elsewhere, and Cincinnati might earn a compensatory draft pick in 2027 depending on. They're spending. D&N is brought to you by our sponsor. Do not just listen to podcasts, get lost in them comfortably, S-O-L-I, solelypillow.com.